Changes to our body can sometimes be too latent to prompt instant action, yet enough to create a hunch that something is not right. For Gary, it wasn’t until an interaction at 24-Hour Fitness with a gentleman who had Parkinson’s Disease that he finally decided to pursue diagnostic assessment:
“He said, I watch you. I watch how you walk and how you act and how your body works. And because your left arm never moves when you walk… I don’t know how to say this to you, but you might want to get yourself checked for Parkinson’s.”
Three visits to three different neurologists later, Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2018. With each appointment, Gary’s condition became more and more real, evoking a mix of sadness and shock as he and his wife processed the news. He recalled getting in the elevator after his second clinic visit as a pivotal moment, acknowledging that “it was hard for both of us to realize that I probably have [Parkinson’s].”
Parkinson’s Disease is an illness caused by the blocking of dopamine-producing neurons, causing tremors and motor disability, according to a review published in clinical resource UpToDate. Gary’s tremor while holding his phone and the immobility in his left arm were signs that he recognized early on but largely ignored because “it hadn’t progressed far enough.”
After visiting the first two doctors, Gary hadn’t found the compassionate and holistic care he was looking for. He then met with his current neurologist at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). Gary appreciated the different options the doctor presented, such as a new clinical trial. He’s been visiting the hospital every month to receive an infusion that lasts three to six hours. While it has been a lengthy process, the program has helped slow the progression of the condition. “I think that trial has saved me so far,” he said gratefully.
Gary grew up immersed in athletics. With a dad who played collegiate basketball, he spent a lot of time at games and developed a strong interest in the sport. He went on to coach high school basketball in Tualatin, Oregon, a small town southwest of Portland, for 38 years. Whether it was instructing players through a drill or calling out plays in a game, Gary enjoyed being in the process with the students. Coaching allowed him the chance to “create situations where [players] can learn and better themselves.” He focused on identifying the skills that players needed to improve and working through mistakes openly. The lessons of receptiveness and adaptability he instilled applied off the court too, ultimately striving to make team members “better people.” Now, as he navigates the life changes brought upon by his condition, Gary feels the same sense of support through physical activity.
After his diagnosis, Gary knew that day-to-day life would be different. The stiffness in his body ensures he moves at a slower pace. Adding naps into his afternoon has been a way to re-set his mind. Eating is now a more measured process. Gary just returned from a three-week trip to Europe, which he said required “a lot of sacrifices,” with his strict medication regimen.
Currently, Gary takes carbidopa-levodopa medication. According to an article in the journal Chemical Reviews, levodopa helps to increase dopamine levels, while carbidopa helps sustain levodopa function over time. The drug has been a vital part of maintaining his motor function – he likes to say that he’s “got the best drugs there are for this stuff.” Still, the medication pervades his routine:
“I take drugs three or four times a day with an alarm on my phone so I don't miss it… Sometimes I’ll turn the alarm off when I’m busy and I’ll say I’ll get it in 10 minutes and I forget it. Two hours later, I get it. And then I’m a mess by then because the levodopa has worn off and the protein’s taken over,” he said.
While his condition may feel all-consuming at times, Gary has been able to find meaningful activities that offer balance and connection. He participates in Rock Steady Boxing, a unique program that combines mental and physical stimulation to rehabilitate motor function and coordination for Parkinson’s patients, as noted in a PLOS One study. He said the classes have been an unexpected but deeply rewarding outlet. Weekly sessions often involve a series of punching combinations, such as a “cross jab hook cut,” or sometimes an obstacle course with quiz questions like the name of a movie. Having to think and act all at once is what makes the activities beneficial and engaging, as he noted that “only half of them are boxing things, a lot of it is cognitive.”
Making the intentional effort to show up consistently even when it may be difficult defines who Gary is. Friends in the program also inspire the extra push that he needs to stay resilient. “There’s a kid named John in my class who I coached in high school, and we both have Parkinson’s now… I’ll say, John, you can’t miss class. You got to be there… And he’ll say the same thing to me,” he explained. He spoke warmly about the sense of community he feels; having such deep-rooted bonds and accountability makes a huge difference. He also attributed a lot of his spirit to his wife, brother, and children who check in with him often, and his relationship with Jesus that offers a steadfast source of strength.
From his days coaching high school basketball to now boxing, Gary has focused on staying positive and proactive, and leaning on the support of others to get through challenges. Most of all, he is candid about the mindset he carries: “Number one is deal with it. Don’t hide. Don’t put it in the back burner. Get it right up in front of you and deal with it… fight the fight.”
“Number one is deal with it. Don’t hide. Don’t put it in the back burner. Get it right up in front of you and deal with it… fight the fight.”