Moments of Victory® – William Richard Takes One Day at a Time with Parkinson’s

William Richard stands at a punching bag. He is a white senior citizen man with a black shirt and white hair and glasses.

Each month, we spotlight Moments of Victory® from people in our community. Today, we are happy to feature William Richard from Tucson, AZ.

Briefly describe your journey since diagnosis

I moved to the Tucson area from Delaware in April 2020. I was referred to a neurologist because of my history of strokes. After several appointments with him, he suspected I had Parkinson's but referred me to a movement disorder specialist for further tests. I was officially diagnosed in February 2021. That very day, I called the PWR! Gym (Parkinson Wellness Recovery) and arranged an evaluation with Calli, a staff member. After several sessions with her, she steered me towards the group participating in Rock Steady Boxing.

I am still the same guy I was before my Parkinson's diagnosis. My faith in God and the warmth and direction of his Word will always sustain me as it has through other rough patches in my life. Cancer, strokes, heart ailments, and other anomalies are all part of my history. These were overcome with good medical care, though I recognize and accept there is no "do-over" with Parkinson's. Because of my faith, family, medical support, boxing friends, and PWR Gym, I have no fear of Parkinson's.

How do you live well each day?

The greatest inspiration for me is every Tuesday and Thursday at my PWR! Gym when I get to talk to my fellow boxing participants. They are amazing people! I wonder if others realize the accomplishments each of them has made in their personal lives, the educational backgrounds they have, and the wisdom they still have to offer.

What do you wish you would have known when you were diagnosed with Parkinson's?

Each day is different. I'm okay with a day at a time.

What do you wish everyone living with Parkinson's knew about living well?

Living well is a decision each of us must make. We can have behavior models, books full of knowledge, caretakers full of advice, and medical support awash with wisdom; yet the choice to live well is ours alone. My CARE2 plan helps me live well by focusing on others and constantly striving for ways to support others. My background as a paramedic and a teacher contributes to my personality and bent toward helping others. I’m still the same person. I still can contribute to society and am responsible for doing such. You, too, are the same person but with Parkinson's. Find your niche in life. Find what gives you life, and go live well!

SHARE YOUR VICTORY

Each month, we spotlight people from our Parkinson’s community who embody living well today – what we call Moments of Victory®. Your story, like William's, could be featured on our blog and Facebook page so others can learn from your experiences and victories.  

Submit Your Moments of Victory 

Share this post on social:

To receive our electronic newsletter and other updates, sign up now.

Related Posts

Back to top