My Parkinson’s Story

Self-Portrait 2019

“You have Parkinson’s Disease”.  I heard the neurologist saying that to me in August 2014, but it wasn’t something I accepted.  It seemed like a death sentence.  Parkinson’s double whammy of being a progressive and an incurable disease is a heavy blow to withstand. It came on hard and reminded me of my mortality.

Only a week after my diagnosis, a news report of the suicide of Robin Williams, the comedian, was on NPR. They said he ended his life after a doctor told him he had Parkinson's Disease. Another reminder.

Only a couple months later, my wife and I attended the “Victory Summit” held by the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s in Greenville, SC.  That was truly a Godsend. The “Victory Summit” had expert speakers from the medical field and there was much helpful and hopeful information. But, what I remember most were the talks by two celebrities; a national news reporter and a former astronaut. Both had Parkinson's and both had managed to conceal it for quite some time.  Once that became impossible, they began to deal with it and figure out ways for their lives to go on. Something I knew I had to do, as well.

The Summit also gave me a chance to meet ordinary people who were Parkinson sufferers and listen to their advice. "Whatever you do, stay hydrated", was a tip one of the volunteers stressed. And, he wasn't emphasizing it too much at all. I've since learned that getting even a little dehydrated will drain my energy very quickly and it takes much longer to build it back.

Before we left the conference, I had met several folks on the Davis Phinney staff and was impressed by their caring attitude. It made me want to join them and get actively involved in their mission of helping others "live well with Parkinson’s today". What could be more rewarding and take my mind off my own troubles at the same time? However, I didn't follow through on those noble notions in my head.

Fast forward to 2019 and I am very grateful for the opportunity (and renewed energy) to do something meaningful this year to fulfill that vow, at least to some degree.  The new GREENWOOD GRAVEL GRIND (G3) and the 12th annual BIKES, BLUES & BAYOUS (BBB) are cycling events I help organize with the Greenwood-Leflore Chamber of Commerce. Both events are taking on a higher purpose and will be fundraising opportunities for the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.

So, my goal for 2019 is to make certain I follow through this time and actively spread the word about the Foundation's good work. I truly believe that my money, and the money I ask others to give to the Foundation, will help real-life people better face the challenge of a disease I share with them. Someone contributed money to the Foundation prior to my diagnosis, and because they did, I had a chance to attend the "Victory Summit" and receive a message of hope. Now, it's my time to return the favor.

Richard Beattie

January 19, 2019

Greenwood, Mississippi