Those who know me well know that I tend to shun the tokenism of “awareness months," and that words like "optimism" are rarely part of my lexicon. I'm a proud realist, and the truth is: Parkinson's Disease (PD) sucks. Especially when you're diagnosed with it at a pretty young age as I was about 9 months ago.

But I've discovered another reality: I do have reason to be optimistic, as well as grateful, because of the incredible work of organizations like the American Parkinson's Disease Association (ADPA). And that's why I'm asking you to help me support the ADPA.

The ADPAs mission is to "ease the burden (of PD) and find the cure." And in addition to funding innovative research toward those ends, the APDA is the only national Parkinson's organization with a National Young Onset Center as well as regional chapters, both of which provide information about and referrals to many services for people with Parkinson’s and their friends and family, as well as direct consultations on any number of PD related issues.

Already, the APDA has helped me find a support group near where I live, listened to me, helped me decide how to handle certain workplace-related questions, and, through their website and publications, have provided me with all kinds of information to help me better understand my illness – all at no cost to me.

Your donation – in any amount – will help the APDA continue to seek the cure and ease the burden of Parkinson's disease for me as my condition progresses, and for everyone living with PD.

Please click on the "support me" button to make your donation to the APDA.

Thanks so much, your support means a lot to me.