Edie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 at the age of 60. She developed Parkinson’s symptoms after undergoing several surgeries and chemotherapy in her earlier battle with breast cancer. After a year-long “pity party,” Edie found the help she needed through a local support group where she met another person living with Parkinson’s who shared his passion for exercise. “I became a workout junkie,” she says. “I have benefited physically, mentally, and emotionally from my active lifestyle.” Now retired, Edie is passionate about helping others with Parkinson’s discover the benefits of exercise to live well with the disease. She teaches at a variety of support groups and other Parkinson’s educational events about developing a proactive approach to wellness. “I want to give hope to people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers by telling my story,” she explains. “And showing that exercise works to improve our ability to function, which translates into a happier life for all of us!”
Edie and her husband, Scott, split their time between the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia and the sunny southern coast of Florida. Snowbirding is an integral part of Edie’s wellness program because the Florida sunshine warms her heart, body, and mind, helping her stay active year-round. Edie’s husband, Scott, is also featured in the Every Victory Counts manual.