Carol M.
Carol was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2024 after several years of showing symptoms without a formal diagnosis. She discovered and joined our support group a year later. She is an active participant in the Rock Steady Boxing Program and recently volunteered to oversee our program to have volunteers at the Parkinson's Activity Center explain our programs to newcomers. Her advice to those with Parkinson’s: (1) Find yourself a good neurologist you have confidence in; (2) Exercise at least five days each week; (3) Socialize; and (4) Try to maintain a healthy diet.
Steve W.
After suffering symptoms for several years, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in 2015. He and his wife contacted our support group early in 2023 and started attending our chair exercise program. Later that year, he agreed to take over coordinating that group, which he continues to do today. Since then, he has also taken responsibility for the bi-weekly Nordic Pole walks around the lakes in Sahuarita and at Canoa Ranch. These two projects clearly communicate how strongly he feels about exercise to mitigate the progression of PD. He also advocates acknowledging the disease and facing it head-on with a positive attitude and the will to do your best to manage it. In other words, he said, “Don’t curl up in bed with a blanket over your head.” Steve has and continues to have serious health challenges beyond PD and serves as a positive example to the rest of us for making the best of each day as it comes.
Bob K.
In 2014, Bob was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and underwent various medications and treatments. His condition worsened, leading eventually to highly uncontrolled hand and arm tremors among other symptoms. In 2023, he underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, which lessened his tremors. However, in 2024 the connector between his DBS probes and the connector in his chest loosened and had to be removed. This led to a second DBS procedure in 2025. This has once again had a positive impact on tremor activity, and is still in the “adjusting” period, which should bring further improvement.
Bob says he doesn’t know what he would do without our support group. He and caregiver/partner Valerie are regulars at the chair exercise class. In addition, they frequently attend potlucks, educational classes, weekly Java coffees, group sharing sessions, and other events. Bob is an amazing example of Parkinson’s at its greatest impact. He has experienced the full impact for more than fifteen years. His advice to us all is “exercise, exercise, exercise.” He says it also helps to have a couple of big fancy coffees whenever you can get them.
Rich T.
Rich was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in 2006 and became partially and then totally disabled in 2020. His primary symptom initially was a tremor in one leg. PD then grew progressively worse until he decided to have deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS). The DBS has been a major blessing; however, it did affect his speech. Rich’s advice to those with PD is to remain positive and not let the disease keep you down. Rich may have speech difficulties, but he has a strong sense of humor and loves a good joke.
Bonnie G.
Bonnie is an artist. For as long as she can remember, she loved crayons and coloring. When in first grade her “Rabbit” was chosen to hang on the classroom door, she knew she wanted to be an artist –and she did. Today she offers watercolor classes at the Parkinson’s Activity Center for members and their care partners.
In 2021, after several years of symptoms and incorrect diagnoses, Bonnie was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Her first major symptom was tremor, which the PD medications have relieved. More recently, balance issues and falling have been huge problems. Bonnie has a lift for assistance getting up from the floor when falls occur, and there are no injuries. She and her husband discovered our support group early and have benefited greatly from the educational programs and the wonderful stoic people in the group. Bonnie’s advice to others is 1) Try not to let PD take the joy from your life and 2) Don’t let PD become your whole life. Stay active and enjoy those in the PD community but keep outside friendships and activities going as well.
Parkinson's Support Group of Green Valley
PO Box 714
Green Valley, AZ 85622
520.372.2368
supportgroup@gvparkinsons.org
The Parkinson's Activity Center
555 N La Canada Drive,
Green Valley, AZ
Open: Monday, Tuesday, & Friday
1:00 – 3:30 pm
