Each month, we spotlight Moments of Victory® from people in our community. Today, we are happy to feature Bruce McKay from St. Louis, Missouri.
What has your experience with Parkinson's been like since your diagnosis?
I am 67 years old and live in St Louis, Mo. I retired earlier this year and have my sights on a very active retirement. In November 2021, I joined the long list of people struggling with Parkinson's. I began to experience balance and dizziness issues about a year ago but dismissed them as part of the aging process. Eventually, I knew something wasn't right and was referred to a Neurologist, who confirmed that I had Parkinson's.
Now that I have been diagnosed, I do not plan to sit back and remain idle. Instead, I am determined to help bring this disease to an end during my lifetime. I have had to give up tennis and racquet sports in general, but I still enjoy walking, biking, and hiking. I want to learn as much as possible about Parkinson's and help others cope with their struggles. I would also like to meet more people at a similar stage of the disease. Finally, I want to get involved in more fundraising activities and would like to form a group of like-minded individuals.
How do you live well each day?
My moment of victory comes in my new daily routine. I have a new, disciplined workout routine of a 60-minute workout followed by a 60-minute walk or a two-hour bike ride. I will not let Parkinson's defeat me. My new motto is WIN THE DAY. So, if I see you in my travels, I have already won.
What do you wish you would’ve known when you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
My Parkinson's diagnosis came out of left field. I am generally quite active and fit and was only diagnosed because I was experiencing balance and dizziness while participating in sports. I wish there were more awareness of early detection symptoms.
What do you wish everyone with Parkinson’s knew about living well?
I believe with early diagnosis, an active lifestyle, and the proper medication, we can delay the progression of Parkinson's. For how long? I don't know, but that is what drives me every day.
SHARE YOUR VICTORY
Each month, we spotlight people from our Parkinson’s community who embody living well today – Moments of Victory®. Like Bruce's, your story could be featured on our blog and Facebook page so others can learn from your experiences and victories.