Photo by Tripp Fay Photography.
Mary Schwab is a lifelong Coloradan who worked as an accountant and loves to explore Colorado’s scenic areas. She and her family lived in Arvada and owned a financial services business before eventually moving to Summit County.
On the weekends, Schwab and her husband would visit their second home in the Silverthorne area. Five years ago, the couple decided to make their go-to vacation spot their permanent residence.
It was around this time that Schwab was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At first, she said she didn’t know her symptoms, which had started a couple of years prior, were something serious.
Lorraine Wilson letter: People with Parkinson s can get help
Lorraine Wilson
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
Approximately 1 million people in the United States live with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive, neurodegenerative, incurable disease. Persons with Parkinson’s (PwP) experience many symptoms including tremors, balance, problems, stiffness, facial masking, voice or swallowing issues, and cognitive changes. While there is no cure yet, there are amazing resources to manage PD and help PwP live well for many years beyond diagnosis.
Local resources include the Big Country Parkinson’s Support Group that meets in the Baker Heights Church of Christ fellowship hall from 1-2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month (summer months pending). The group provides personal and community connections, research-based education, information about local exercise classes, and social activities. Contact Jan at ljb03c@acu.edu.