## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) # My PD Story ![Joyce Stump and Dr. Morgan](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/joyce_stump-og.jpg?h=0a2b7e64&itok=F-A_7ukO) Care Partners ## Joyce Stump Joyce Stump of Evans, GA, is a [care partner](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") to her husband, Jimmy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2000 at age 48. Joyce is a recipient of the 2021-2022 Parkinson’s Care Partner Award from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, a [Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network"). These awards support and honor the incredible sacrifices and undying commitment of care partners in the Parkinson’s community. Joyce shares some highlights of her experience as a care partner: **What advice would you give to those beginning their role as a care partner?** When you first receive a [Parkinson’s diagnosis](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed"), don’t look at it with total negativity. Look at it as a journey and opportunity for growth. Obtain all the information you can get to help guide you through. Surround yourself with a great [medical team](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team"), and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Yes, there are going to be changes, yes there are going to be emotions involved, and yes it’s going to be a rollercoaster. Go with the flow. Dig deep, get a mentor, and find friends. Realize [you’re important](/resources-support/carepartners/caring-for-self "Caring for the Care Partner"), too, and that you can do it. It’s also important to think of a blessing each day. There are always blessings. **How do you recharge?** I have a lot of support from my family, my friends, and my Sunday School class. [Find a go-to place](/resources-support/carepartners/pointers "Practical Pointers") when things crash in on you -- mine is outdoors by the Savannah River. Find a book you enjoy. Each day, find a little bright spot. **What has been the most challenging part of your role as a care partner?** I’ve had to learn to [accept help](/resources-support/carepartners/outside-help "Getting Outside Help") from others. I have had to learn to accept help as people want to give it. I’m not in this alone. Another challenge was having to [retire](/resources-support/carepartners/caring-for-self/work "Balancing Work & Caregiving") from a job I loved before I was ready. But I try to take each day as an opportunity to learn with each challenge and change. **What has been the most rewarding part of being a care partner?** This experience has drawn Jimmy and me closer and deepened our appreciation for each other. We’ve developed deeper respect as we rely on one another. Also, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people I’d have never met otherwise. **Which Parkinson’s Foundation resources or programs have been the most valuable to you?** We surrounded ourselves with a great medical team at a [Center of Excellence](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network"). The Parkinson’s Foundation provides a lot of information and opportunities that have helped us find [support](/resources-support/carepartners/resources "Care Partner Resources"), mentors, as well as assistance with [medications](/library/books/medications "Medications: A Treatment Guide to Parkinson’s Disease") and support when Jimmy lost his job due to his illness. **Dr. Morgan: why did you nominate Joyce Stump for this award?** I’ve known Joyce since 2003 and we’ve been on this journey together since then. What I’ve noticed about Joyce is she’s humble and she’s tireless. She does an incredible job taking care of Jimmy. I see it every time they come to clinic. She pushes him when he needs to be pushed, she loves him when he feels down, and she takes wonderful care of him. She’s what great caregiving is all about. [**Register for our free Care Partner Program courses to learn more**](https://parkinson-foundation-online-courses.thinkific.com/bundles/parkinson-s-foundation-care-partner-program-building-a-care-partnership) ## Related Materials Fact Sheets ### [ My Parent Has Parkinson's. What Does It Mean? ](/library/fact-sheets/parent-has-parkinsons) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/parent-has-parkinsons) Fact Sheets ### [ Intimacy and PD ](/library/fact-sheets/intimacy) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/intimacy) Fact Sheets ### [ Impulse Control ](/library/fact-sheets/impulse-control) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/impulse-control) ## More Stories from the Parkinson's community ![Jordan and his dad](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/jordan-levin-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=iXWnmqlh) Care Partners ### [ Jordan Levin ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/jordan-levin) READ NOW ![Kimberly O’Roark headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Kimberly-ORoark-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=3GKsm-4c) Care Partners ### [ Kimberly O’Roark ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/kimberly-oroark) READ NOW ![Christine and her dad at a baseball game](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/christine-rowley-pd-story-preview.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=vGc6e0Op) Care Partners ### [ Christine Rowley ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/christine-rowley) READ NOW [VIEW ALL STORIES](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ### Share your Story Do you have an experience with Parkinson's that you would like to share? 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