Jill Ater

Tacoma, Washington

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005 at age 42. I had young children at the time and was running a successful staffing company in the Denver metro area. I soon discovered I carry a gene associated with Parkinson’s, LRRK2, shared with my mother and sister, who are also living with Parkinson’s. Like most, I would prefer not to have to deal with Parkinson’s, but since that is not an option, I do have to live as fully as possible and make my ‘lemonade’ by helping others keep going. It’s all about information, empowerment, and an end to the isolation that often comes for those living with Parkinson’s.

My husband Alan and I have always enjoyed world travel, and Parkinson’s isn’t stopping us. Currently living in Tavira, Portugal, we have a Facebook and Instagram blog about our travels called “It’s a Parkie World.”

Read Jill’s Moments of Victory® submission here.

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