Welcome

Welcome to the Take pART in Parkinson’s. In this website, I will share with you the activities and creative work I have done in the 11 years since my diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. I was diagnosed in June of 2015.

 

Creative work under the Portfolio section of the website displays artwork before and after my diagnosis. Creating artwork has played a vital role in maintaining my health and connecting with others.  It has been a lifelong interest.  

 

The stresses and challenges of living with Parkinson's are mitigated with the use of art to cope. I hope you find inspiration and that you also will use creative expression in whatever form you chose; Performing arts, 2 or 3-dimensional art, creative writing, fabric art, cooking, gardening, are just a few of the creative choices we can make.  

 

In the Resource category of the website, there are suggestions of literature that is helpful in learning about Parkinson's disease. Some of the literature suggests that when you are engaged in creative activity, you are using both sides of the brain with greater blood flow going into the right side of the brain. So, creative activity not only offers a way to reduce stress, engage your senses and challenge the limitations of Parkinson's, it encourages brain health. I hope you find the information in the recommended readings helpful.

 

I also encourage you to connect and engage with others through peer groups, participation in research studies and political advocacy for continuation of research toward an end of Parkinson's disease.