Secret handshake

Having Parkinson’s is somewhat like belonging to a secret society. One member of this secret society can always spot another, without a single word being uttered. Is it the special “handshake” that we have? Or is it the famous shuffle and hunched over pose? The trouble is, this “society” that millions around the world belong to (unwillingly I might hasten to add) have a hard job keeping it secret, and if the truth be known, it shouldn't be a secret at all. Once diagnosis has been made, the quicker one tells family and friends the better. When those around you understand what’s going on, life becomes a little less fraught. The clerk in the post office; staff at the supermarket, the man in the News Agent, everyone in the bank – the pharmacy, the Municipality; you name it, they all know I have Parkinson’s. Being an author, writing a daily blog, public speaking, interviewed on radio and an amount of media exposure, all of which is about two diseases; I'm doing all I can in a poor state of health to keep up the momentum. I believe if you have something of importance to say, it’s no good sitting quietly in the corner doing nothing. I want to get my message out there loud and clear, keeping Gaucher and Parkinson’s in the forefront. The more noise we all make, the greater incentive there will be for scientists and doctors to find a cure. So if you are keeping your “handshake” secret, don’t be ashamed; you are not alone, speak out and do something.