You worked in advertising for years before becoming a firefighter. What motivated you to change careers?
At one point during my corporate tenure, I did some volunteer work delivering food to AIDS patients and found it a lot more satisfying than my media-buying job. It made me realize that I wanted to do something more meaningful and creative. Then a friend told me about her job as a paramedic for the city of Chicago, and I thought the flexible hours would allow me to pursue creative projects on the side. I started taking classes to get certified as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and just loved it.

How did you end up working for the fire department?
While at paramedic school, I learned that the city of Chicago was hiring firefighters and was encouraged to take the firefighter aptitude test. I ended up getting hired by the fire department, where I was both a paramedic and a firefighter.

When were you diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?
I was officially diagnosed on December 28, 2015, by a movement disorders specialist, but I'm sure I had it for years before that. I was prescribed carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet), which has really helped with my symptoms like stiff movement.

Has your disease affected your ability to do your job?
When I started this job in my forties, I was in really good shape. Between age and Parkinson's, I'm much slower now and my fine motor skills have diminished, so I don't start intravenous fluids in patients or take blood pressure readings anymore. I am now an engineer, and my main job is driving the fire engine and making sure firefighters have water at a fire. I also work at a slower firehouse. We do between two and 10 runs a day, with 10 runs being rare. Most firehouses do 10 or more a day. The combination of a slower house, driving the truck, and controlled symptoms means my disease interferes very little. And I'm due to retire in July when I turn 61.

What's it like being a firefighter during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Because we are at a slower firehouse, it hasn't changed much. We are now required to wear masks and practice social distancing. If our team is called to assist someone with respiratory problems, those who have contact with the patient wear personal protective equipment. As the driver of the engine, I don't have any direct interaction with patients. We've had a few COVID-19 patients, but often we'll come to a scene and the ambulance company will hold us off unless we are necessary.

How do you manage your disease?
I push myself to be active. I ride a bike and use a rowing machine. I also keep busy with creative projects like designing a logo for my husband's beekeeping business and self-publishing a photography book about women paramedics and firefighters called Chicago Strong. I explore the nonphysical ways women are strong.

Has your definition of strength changed since your diagnosis?
Being a lifelong athlete, I used to pride myself on my physical strength. Now I see that mental strength like tenacity and determination, emotional strength such as compassion, and spiritual strength—doing something good for society—are far more important but too often unrecognized or undervalued. I hope my book changes that perception.