Dean is a caregiver to his life partner, Bill Sabatino. Bill’s numerous medical issues were misdiagnosed and improperly treated. Everything fell into place when Bill was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Bill and Dean are grateful for each day they are given to be together. Their journey is one of communication, compassion, collaboration, listening, and love. Learning about PD and applying that knowledge to both their daily lives has brought a new dimension to the meaning of relationship, hope, help, respect, dignity, support, mortality, and gratitude. “Each day is a gift. Each day is a gift. Each day is a gift. Repeat.”
This is an excerpt from a panel presentation at our 2018 Care Partner Summit | Cumbre Para Cuidadores. For more resources like this, please visit Parkinson.org/Summit.
For more caregiver resources, please visit Parkinson.org/Caregiving.