Conquer PD!

April 6, 2013, proved to be a great day. The 4th Annual Baehr Challenge! Kamrie and friends from Centennial Bel Canto Choir sing a great rendition of the National Anthem Brian Baehr-Announcing Grandson Brigden enjoying a snow cone Knight Transportation's obstacle, a balance bridge. Thanks to Clayton Carr for his building skills1 Carl and McKelle doing the tires. Note little Brigden not far behind. Go Jordan Go! There you go Brigden! You can do it! Doing the  tower! Kamrie and Spencer doing the army crawl obstacle built by Medtronics. This is who Joey Gregan works for. Joey was getting us all wet. It was a great obstacle. Jordan is definitely having fun! The spider web Brigden doing the spider web Brigden doing the balance bridge The balance bridge Jordan and Carl doing the spiderweb Jordan and Carl doing the spiderweb Carl doing the balance bridge McKelle and Brigden doing the balance bridg...

On Wednesday, April 10th, I participated in the Delbert Johnson 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament, held at Pinnacle Peak Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ. Joey Gregan had invited me to be the guest speaker at the dinner afterwards. My golfing partners were: Brian Baehr, David Pootricull, and Joey Gregan. We had a great time with beautiful weather. I actually hit some pretty nice shots and on the last hole made a beautiful putt for birdie! While on the course we got to meet Muhammad Ali and his wife. The Muhammad Ali Center was one of the beneficiaries receiving some of the proceeds of the event. They brought him out in a golf cart, his wife in another one. I was able to shake his hand and introduce myself. He didn't say anything but that was all right.  It was awesome to have that experience. I played probably my best round of golf that day. Afterwards I spoke at the dinner. I was introduced by Margaret-Ann Coles, program director at the Muhammad Ali Center, and gave a short tal...

Mick Beaman, friend indeed. Mick came up to the hospital on Thursday afternoon and spent the rest of the day and night with me, allowing Leisa to go get some rest at home. Throughout the night he helped me with whatever I needed and we enjoyed this opportunity. Two PD friends helping each other, sharing a common bond. I am grateful for Mick. He is a great friend!

On April 18, 2013, I underwent the first stage of DBS surgery under that skilled hands of Dr. Francisco Ponce, and his amazing team, including Joey Gregan and Bill of Medtronics. It truly was an amazing experience. I was awake the majority of the time and was able to interact with Dr. Ponce, Joey, Bill, and others. Dr. Ponce said that it went remarkably well, and that he "hit the bullseye!" Funny experiences: After they completed the right side which was the first side to do, I had the urgency to go to the bathroom. I whispered to Joey," What if I have to pee?", and he said to Dr. Ponce that I had to pee, and Dr. Ponce directed them all to turn their heads giving me a privacy break while the nurse held a urinal bottle to me (which was awkward). I was bashful at first but finally decided it was time to go.  All went well and pretty soon they were  doing the left side! At the end of the surgery one of the nurses who had made contact with the recovery team to mak...

Our good friend, Patti Meese, was a contestant in the Ms. Senior Arizona Beauty Pageant that was held last night. She made the top 5, and then she received two awards, one being "most photogenic" and then tied with another 1 for talent. She then was selected as 1st runnerup! She was beautiful as always. Her song, while on stationary bike, was "Get on your Feet" and it was indeed a crowd favorite. Patti, I am very proud of you and how well you fight for what you do. 

In January I was nominated for and received what is called "the Local Hero" award at The Victory Summit, which is a motivational, educational, day long gathering of those involved in the Parkinson's Disease community. Well, I should and would never want to stand alone with this award as there are so many deserving of it. I will be posting those individuals who I consider should have received this award. Jerry Stutzman and his wonderful family who created  www.popsride.com and rode their bikes from Florida to San Diego Brian Baehr and his family who created The Baehr Challenge Patti Meese who was 1st runnerup in the 2013 Ms. Senior Arizona Beauty Pageant, tying for 1st place in the talent competition, and taking home the photogenic award! Stew Martz, Phoenix Police Detective, dedicated friend, ever positive attitude David Dow, quiet giant, great friend, brains Pete Shaw: positive, golfer, friend Carl Ames: Phoenix Local Hero Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2...

Lance Martin-A Great Friend! This is Lance Martin and he recently completed a tough mudder competition with a group of friends. I wish I could have been there cheer him on, but his wife Laura, his greatest cheerleader, captured many wonderful photos to share. One very consistent feature in each photo of Lance is his genuine smile. Lance is an amazing husband, father, and friend. He is always so positive. He is 39 and diagnosed a couple years ago with PD. I just met him in November and was immediately drawn to him and a quick bond of friendship was started.  We talk or message each other almost daily to check on each other and encourage each other. I love Lance, Laura, and their two very blessed children Christopher and Caroline! Lance, you are a ham! A happy hog in a mud hole! Lance letting Laura know he is okay