Editor’s Note:  Just after the new year, I had the privilege of meeting the mother-son duo of Christie and Stephan Brooks at the Miami Marathon & Half.  Diagnosed with Parkinson’s just six months ago at the age of 50, Christie is already taking an active stand against PD. She signed up for her first Half Marathon as a member of Team Fox, running with her son Stefan. Here, they share a bit of their story.

Christie: It has been almost 6 months since my diagnosis with Parkinson’s.  My story is probably similar to many others…chronic shoulder pain, an occasional twitch in my left arm, a visit to the doctor, a referral to a neurologist.  Then, a diagnosis that you can’t get your mind wrapped around.  I actually asked my primary care doctor, “What is going on with my body?  Do you think this is Parkinson’s disease?”  He didn’t answer but referred me to a neurologist as soon as possible.  My reaction was probably similar to others as well, “How can this be happening to me?”  I am a healthy and very active 50-year old woman that works non-stop!

Stefan: As most kids do, I grew up thinking my parents were invincible.  We were healthy, stayed active and ate well, so when I heard about my mom’s diagnosis I was shocked.  50 was a pretty young age to start seeing symptoms. 

Christie:  I finally got my head wrapped around the diagnosis, and came to the resolution that on this side of heaven bad things happen and I couldn’t change that.  But what I could do is to learn to live my life with Parkinson’s disease.  Initially I felt like the disease was robbing me of a future that I had dreamed of, robbing me of a career that I had worked incredibly hard for, and robbing me of a resilience that I was known for.   

A friend emailed me and said, “I don’t think Parkinson’s knows who it is dealing with!”  Finally, I decided I was not going to let this disease rob me of anything, at least not without a fight.  I have an incredible husband and family that support me, plus what I call my “prayer army.”  Their faith and support bring me strength when I need it most.  I have also always enjoyed working out and staying active.  So the belief that exercise is a way I can potentially lessen the progress of this disease fuels me.

Stefan:  My mother is a strong woman.  We talked on the phone shortly after the diagnosis and she was adamant that Parkinson’s would not define her or us as a family.  Like many others, my first thought was “What can I do?”  I know that I cannot take away my mom’s restless nights or her other symptoms, but I can do something.  I can run.  I can help raise awareness and fundraise for Parkinson’s.

Christie:  My daughter sent me information on Team Fox and their participation in the Miami Marathon.  She said “You should do this Mom!” and soon after my son and I were both registered.  He wasn’t a runner but said he’d do it for me.  I wasn’t a long distance runner either!

Stefan:  During my training, there were days I didn’t want to run, but I thought about my mom and others with Parkinson’s and was able to push through.  So many people have stepped up to support my mom and me – both financially and emotionally.  Their support is tremendous – and together we’ve raised over $2,500 for Team Fox as Team Brooks.

Christie:  What the Michael J Fox Foundation is doing for us is amazing.  The hope they bring to us for the promise of a better tomorrow is not taken for granted.  Although it is a community I never dreamed I’d be a part of, the fact is I am.  So I’m doing what I can, running with purpose as a proud Team Fox member.  Crossing the finish line, I felt like I had given my Parkinson’s disease one big punch!  Take that PD!  Already thinking about Miami 2015!!