In just over a year, two life-altering events sent shock waves through my routine existence in Bel Air, MD. First, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in November 2015; then, in late 2016, my husband and I took custody of our granddaughter, Lucy, after recognizing that her parents were unable to care for her.
At the time of my diagnosis, my symptoms were mild: My right arm had weakened, and I didn't walk as steadily or as quickly as before. My primary care doctor suspected I had the condition and referred me to a neurologist who was also a movement disorder specialist. She started me on a low dose of a dopamine agonist and was upbeat about my prognosis. But I was down.
Then the fighter in me kicked in, and I looked online for a local support group. That led me to a wonderful woman named Lynnette, who persuaded me to attend a boxing class for people with Parkinson's. After my first class, I was smitten and quickly became a regular. Before long, I was feeling stronger and steadier on my feet. Allen, my husband of 37 years, noticed how much more fit and toned I looked. I was feeling good.
By the time Lucy arrived, the boxing gym had become my second home. I couldn't imagine missing a class. How was my exercise routine going to accommodate a newborn? I remember going to the gym and explaining the situation to the manager, telling him I wouldn't be able to come as often anymore. He told me I couldn't stop boxing. He offered to watch Lucy with some help from other coaches and friends at the gym while I boxed. The arrangement has been great, and now the gym is Lucy's second home, too.
In mid-2018, my boxing friends and I started Rally Against Parkinson's (RAP), a nonprofit organization designed to support our boxing program. Our first event raised more than $10,000. The boxing program helps me with the physical aspects of my disease and has introduced me to a whole new community of friends.
In addition to raising Lucy, taking boxing classes, and presiding over RAP, I am a part-time human resources consultant and a small business owner. At my store, Encores by Elaine, I sell chalk-painted furniture and other home decor. I'm the busiest I've ever been and in better shape than I was 10 years ago—and I love raising my adorable Lucy. (Follow us on Instagram @mommomandlucy.) I don't love this disease, but I love how it's brought out the fighter in me.
-As told to Paul Wynn