Rise Leap Move

April and Spring are the times of the year that I love the most. After staying dormant inside myself during the winter months, I feel rejuvenated and alive once Spring arrives. It's a time for new beginnings and growth.

One year ago, on April 3rd, 2024, I was given the incredible opportunity to reclaim my quality of life through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). My tremors had become so severe that I couldn't even feed myself properly. I was only 98lbs, and simple tasks like tying my shoelaces had become impossible due to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease that had taken over my life. It felt like my ability to do things was being subtracted by Parkinson's, one by one.

But on that fateful day, everything changed. Thanks to the dedicated team at AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute @ Innovation Tower and Abbott, I was able to undergo DBS and regain control of my life. Looking back at the photo of myself on the morning of April 3rd, 2024, and comparing it to the person I became on April 3rd, 2025, fills me with overwhelming gratitude.

April 3rd 2024 -April 3rd 2025. Introducing Kili (Kilimanjaro).

I am truly thankful for the expert care and support I received from the team at AdventHealth and team Abbott. They gave me back my independence, my confidence, and my ability to live life to the fullest. I will be forever grateful for this life-changing opportunity that has transformed my world

Spring is not just a season, it's also an action. It means to rise, leap, and move. For me, I spring out of bed in the morning as soon as I open my eyes. It's a time when things are released from a constrained position, just like the flowers blooming and animals coming out of hibernation.

On The Move- no time to waste. (Zimbabwe Africa). Photographer : Linzi Burns.

On April 11th we come together to take action by ”Sparking the Night Blue “ in support of Parkinson’s awareness.

Thank you to the PD Avengers for spearheading this global initiative in the fight against Parkinson's disease. Your dedication, advocacy, and efforts to raise awareness and support for those living with PD are truly commendable. Your work is making a meaningful impact on a global scale, and we are grateful for all that you do.

A special thank you to Carolyn, for her role in making the connection and helping put Orlando on the map in support of this important cause. Your efforts to raise awareness locally and connect with the broader PD Avengers community are greatly appreciated. Your passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's is inspiring.

Together, as a community of PD Avengers and supporters, we can create positive change, raise awareness, and work towards finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. Thank you to all who are involved in this important mission. Your dedication and support are truly making a difference.

I want to express my gratitude to Maitland Art & History Museums and AdventHealth Innovation Tower for their commitment to lighting up their campus in blue, bringing attention to Parkinson's disease.

Thank you to AdventHealth and Maitland Art & History Museum. They are ON the global map - congrats.

It may sound strange, but I truly believe that I have become a better person because of Parkinson's. This illness has opened up a whole new world of research, education, and curiosity for me. Despite the challenges it brings and the aspects of a normal life it robs from individuals, Parkinson's has given me a deeper understanding of resilience and strength.

My admiration and love for all the Parkinson's warriors out there knows no bounds. They are my heroes, my inspiration to rise, leap, and move forward each day. Their courage and determination fuel my own journey, and I am forever grateful for their presence in my life.

I am incredibly grateful for all the care and support provided by friends, spouses, and family members of Parkinson's patients. These individuals play a crucial role in the lives of those affected by the disease, offering emotional support, assistance with daily tasks, and unwavering love and understanding.