Clicking "Like" Will Send $5 to Help Find a Cure for Parkinson's Disease

It's easy!  The Michael J. Fox Foundation has partnered with UCB in a program called "Tell Us YOUR Story" on Facebook.  So, forever the story teller, I posted about our experiences living with this crazy illness; the good and bad!

"At UCB our sense of purpose is to help people suffering from severe central nervous system or immunological disorders lead normal, everyday lives. Our ambition is to offer them innovative new medicines and ground-breaking solutions that go beyond the drug. We are committed to enabling cutting-edge scientific research that is driven by the patients' needs. "  
And what a better way to understand patients needs than to ask them to tell their stories!  That's just cool in my book!  Happy to oblidge, I submitted a post in an effort to generate both awareness AND, get this.... $5 for each "like" or "share" on facebook.  Already, our story "Standing Tall" has raised $55!  YOUR click could help in leading to a cure to Parkinson's Disease and making my hott-hubby Dan more comfortable as we live with this stinking neurological crazy illness.

It's legit!  And FYI, Dan participates in research efforts at Johns Hopkins Hospital that is sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  So, please support this!  And do tell everyone you know; together, we can raise $60,000 just by clicking the "like" or "share" button on my post.

If you roll your cursor over the sentence below, it will take you directly to the site.  Thanks for helping.
Go to this link and "like" or "share" our PD story and UCB will donate $5 to research with the Michael J. Fox Foundation!!!!

Wows! and Wows?

Today on Facebook, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation shared this link to a movie called A Late Quartet.  Online, it says this about the film:
     "In the film, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Mark Ivanir and Christopher Walken play a world renowned string quartet struggling to stay together as they mark their 25th anniversary in the face of illness and competing egos."

Always curious when the topic of musical careers come up, I so totally did not expect to discover the impact of one musician's diagnosis.  As with any unpleasant "news" - whether it be cancer, heart disease, or... yes, Parkinson's Disease - that "wow" just never goes away, does it?

Four years after my hott-hubby was diagnosed with PD, I get Mr. Walken's reaction as portrayed here.  Do you know what I mean?  It's like, sometimes, maybe that day when Dan came home following his appointment with the initial neurologist was just a weird dream.  Was it disbelief?  Maybe, in a way... it still is.  Even after all this time.

You know, most "wow's" come at an elated high.  But this sort of "wow"... well, it's kinda like a strange quiver deep in the midst of your inner belly.  And it stays there.  Permamently.  Forever.  A diagnosis that someone you love has an incurable and chronic illness, Parkinson's Disease.  Sure, there are days when the symptoms seem almost to disappear.  But others remind me of times yet to come and then that awful quiver in my belly resonates deep down.  It is then that the "wow" of the initial diagnosis and daily life with PD turns to a "why?" and even a "what the #*^+! ?"

Then, I remember that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."  (Romans 8:28)

"Wow."

Please watch and share.  The movie is released later this month.

It Sure Is Hott!

For all of my little friends over at Widmeyer Elementary, Mrs. Caliente will sure miss you guys!  Watch this and remember... music IS everywhere!  From a Brazilian Carnival to Austria's "Sound of Music" --We had  some fun over the last couple months.

For all the teachers, administrators, and families of my little friends, thanks for putting up with me! It was indeed a privilege to spend time with you and your students over the last nine plus weeks.  Thanks for enduring the loud singing, dancing, and yes, even sax playing coming from the music room.  (Mrs. Hott sure sings "terrible"! LOL!)

I will never forget the words from RESA 8 substitute teacher trainer, Peggy Hause, "As a sub, you have just a short time in the classroom with these children. Make the most of it.  YOU could be THE sub to change a child's life."  Well, let's just say sometimes it is just one student, just one... that changes the sub.  For all my little friends, thanks for the hugs and know that Mrs. Hott will be remembering you all in my prayers.  (And, thanks for reminding me daily how "young" I am!)

Finally, for Mrs. Davisson -- give me a call anytime you have another baby!  I'll be there - me and my sax!

love, love, LOVE... your music sub

p.s.  Now, go "clip up!"  All of you!