My PD Story

I first met my husband, Mark, in 2010, married in 2013, and on August 26, 2025, he passed away unexpectedly due to balance issues caused by his Parkinson’s disease (PD). In November 2010, we noticed a tremor in his hand while watching a performance of Jersey Boys on Broadway in New York.

Following this, Mark consulted his doctor and was initially diagnosed with benign essential tremors. He then researched further and sought the expertise of a leading neurologist in New England, receiving the shocking diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Until that point, throughout his 50 years he had enjoyed excellent health.

Three years later, we married in Kennebunkport, ME, at a venue called Hidden Pond, despite his PD. We believed we were prepared for the challenges of Parkinson’s, but true readiness is elusive until faced with adversity. Initially, we enjoyed life, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. We planned for retirement by purchasing land in Kennebunkport and spending time at our condo in Naples, FL. Little did we know that the backyard of our wedding reception venue would become our dream retirement home. Life has a way of cracking back. 

Mark, my best friend and love of my life, was known for his wit, sense of fun and gentlemanly demeanor. He was incredibly kind and had a playful spirit. Let me share how he embodied all these qualities.

Our love story inspired our wedding theme: the “Love Fest.” Our wedding reflected Mark’s elegance; he made me laugh daily with his humorous remarks and the sparkle in his eyes. He was lively and spirited, often dancing and singing karaoke in our living room. Even during car rides, he could shift from being upset one moment to bursting into song the next. He embraced my enthusiasm for New Year’s Eve, donning a festive hat, garland and noisemakers.

Mark was adventurous, though not in the traditional sense; he was spontaneous and would suggest late-night bowling on New Year’s Eve. During this time, we lived life to the fullest and Parkinson’s was a distant cousin. We were aware, took progressive measures, but did not let “it” control our daily lives. 

Over the years, we did our best to navigate Mark’s condition, including undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. This past summer, he was thrilled to have his device replaced with a new Abbott chargeable model with the help of Christipher Hennessey, Dr. Cosgrove and his Brigham and Women’s team. Despite the daily struggles with Parkinson’s, Mark remained resilient and rarely complained, and we cherished our love and life together. I was preparing for retirement, and we aimed to build a future that would allow us to enjoy a few more years before facing the advanced stages of Parkinson’s.

However, in the last two years, Mark encountered numerous challenges as his condition progressed. This summer, he grappled with balance issues, festination (or shuffling) and freezing episodes. We witnessed a decline, and I found myself unprepared for the emotional toll of being his caregiver.

One late Sunday afternoon, after returning home from a weekend in Kennebunkport, mile walks on the beach, seafood, family, card games and laughter, we were about to enjoy some takeout Chinese food. I called him outside to admire the tomatoes that had ripened over the weekend.

Moments later, I discovered him unresponsive on the ground. He had suffered a fracture of his top vertebra and passed away instantly. This was not the way it was supposed to end! But I’m sure in his mind it was; no pain, no stage four, and no burden on others. This was Mark. In my mind, I’m rejecting the loss of my husband and wanted to squeeze out a few more years. 

The date of his death certificate reads August 26, 2025; however, I believe the true date of his passing was August 24, 2025, as that was when all life departed from his body. A silver lining in this tragedy is that Mark, with his generous spirit, chose to be an organ donor. He gave two kidneys and one liver, which is why he remained on life support for two additional days.

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that robbed my best friend, Mark, of his spark but also affected me, our family members, and all who loved him. I miss him severely, and my life will never be the same. While I am saddened that we were so close to having the future we planned together, I also recognize that I was fortunate to share 15 wonderful years with Mark, years that many people may never experience in a lifetime.

To honor Mark and the time we had together, I decided to raise Parkinson’s awareness and funds to end Parkinson’s and become a Parkinson’s Champion. I ran in the 2025 Manchester Half Marathon in Mark’s memory. I have run for 40 years but never has a run meant so much to me. This is not the end but a beginning in my fight against this ugly disease.

As an educator by trade, I will advocate and be a voice for people living with Parkinson’s and care partners. 

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events. Become a Parkinson’s Champion today and explore our upcoming endurance events.