An interview with Lisa Cooke: What Parkinson’s gave to me.
Please tell me a little about your background
I am 57 years old a divorced mother of three boys 36,35 and 18. I live in small town Texas I live in a small town in Texas. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 with young onset Parkinson’s disease. My first symptom was Brady dyskinesia I was just moving really slow trying to button a sweater and I had a frozen shoulder. I also had a grand mal seizure. I went to a neurologist who stated my seizure in I also been the Parkinson’s were two separate incidents. I have also been diagnosed with epilepsy.
What events do you participate in?
I would love to be more involved in ad advocacy to bring Parkinson’s awareness. I am trying to start a Parkinson’s support group in my small town as there is no Parkinson’s groups. I would also like to begin a fundraiser. I am currently involved in Relay For Life and would like to have a fundraiser such as that in my small town.
What has Parkinson’s done for you before having Parkinson’s?
Before my diagnosis not always the most positive person. Like most people went to work took care of my kids. The everyday struggle of life, but Parkinson’s made me see that to be grateful for life. To stay positive and never take advantage of one day stop to smell the flowers and be grateful for all that you have. Parkinson’s may take away my walking and many other things, but it will never take away my positivity to fight this disease and my fighting spirit.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Keep spreading awareness get involved in activities such as walking for Parkinson’s dancing for Parkinson’s. Anything that can bring awareness and fundraising to this horrible disease is what I would like to do for my small town.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I do exercise and try to use alternative remedies when I can. I also like to keep my brain health such as coloring, play brain games, and just living one day at a time.
What are you Social Media Links?
Facebook: Lisa Cooke
Instagram: Lisa Cooke
Tik Tok: Lisa Cooke @ybarra03
X: Lisa Cooke
@lisaycookie
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because it can happen to you no one in my family had Parkinson’s. I come from a large family. My parents had 14 other brothers and sisters beside me 15 total Parkinson’s showed up in my life out the blue one day when I couldn’t make a fist and open it back up it can happen at any time to anyone people should care about this disease someone you know or you may be experiencing this never take life for granted.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
There are so many songs I could tell you the one song that I will tell you is Amazing Grace. My mom sang this song before she passed away. My mom was a strongest woman I ever met. She’s my hero and I miss her dearly.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Stay positive this disease likes to take so much from you. But in reality, you can learn so much from this disease never give up, stay positive and keep moving.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Would you like to share your journey! Reach out and together our Voices are so much STRONGER!