Unbelievable story. I thought no one would enter into a long-term relationship with me in light of my Parkinsons and the prospect of being a care partner for me. I was wrong. Met an angel who fell in love with me and is a personal trainer and nutritionalist to boot. I found my one and only.
Met on January 7 in the Virgin Islands. GETTING MARRIED FEBRUARY 26!!!
I was diagnosed with Parkinsons ten years ago at the age of 41. Fortunately, I have had a very slow progression, but that could change at any time.
I started with match about 4 months and had been on dates with several quality woman, but none that sparked with me. I decided to go to the Virgin Islands to meet up with old friends that were there for a conference.
I casually invited my brother who surprised me by accepting. My father got wind of the trip and invited himself. Needless to say the prospect of having 21 consecutive meals with my father and brother was a little daunting.
Two days before the trip, I did a match search of the Virgin Islands with the intention of just enjoying a nice meal and obtaining information on the islands. Click here!. I got much more than I ever could have imagined.
My flight there left Kentucky at 6am so I had to be up by 4am. Upon arrival in St. Thomas, I touched base with one of my match connections and we made plans five hours later for her to take the ferry from St. John to the Red Hook terminal in St. Thomas. On the trip from the airport, the taxi driver locked his keys in the car with my luggage and phone! I had no way of touching base with her and had to wear the same clothes that I traveled in all day.
I found out that the taxi ride to Red Hook was $20 each way. With no way for us to communicate, I had no idea if she would show up. She had to pay $12 to take the ferry with no confirmation that I would be there.
When she walked off the boat. She took my breathe away. My only though was, “I have found my future, my one and only.” We spent most of the next week together. I left on January 14. Moved her to Louisville on January 31 and will marry her on February 26. Thanks Match.com
What a wonderful presentation, John! You were wonderful and I am so grateful you shared your story. We were receiving excellent feedback in the chat too:
That was fantastic information, thank you for your candor and humor! Awesome 🤩 talk and info ! Thanks much. It’s hard, thanks for sharing. Thank you for sharing your story and for your positive attitude. It’s important to hear this message. This was just what I needed. Thank you so much. you are an inspiration, thank you!
As we stated, we hit 100 participants at 3:09!
Thank you again,
Eden Feldman, LCSWAssociate Director, Community
I do not have the words to thank you enough for making the trip to Dallas to do two presentations for us at CC young. You truly are special and a rockstar and clearly touched many lives today. It is a victory! I was able to run all over campus and welcome guests and host you. It was a victory. Thanks to you for helping me think that way. We will catch you on the next round. Get some rest my friend. Safe travels. And know we love you from CC Young and Dallas!
PattyCC Young and Dallas
“After two years of not being able to hear speakers in person , I was thrilled to have John Bauman as a speaker at our “ Living Well With Parkinson’s’ Gala!. Not only was John engaging and inspiring to get to know off stage , on stage he truly drove home the theme of empowerment to our audience and left our growing community of attendees with several “ aha “ moments and desire to hear more. He spoke from personal experience as a Parkinson’s patient ,inspiring the audiences motivation to truly wish to make a difference and uniting us all in our humanity. Attendees after listening to John , felt inspired to make a difference in the world and do their part to create change for those living with Parkinson’s. My only regret was not being able to spend more time with John and I look forward to having him speak again to our audience.”
Naomi WongWPP Program Manager
John’s message of hope, inspiration and laughter was ideal for anyone living with PD. He was extremely flexible and a delight to work with.
Leisha Phipps, MSWProgram Director - Dallas Area Parkinson Society
We all felt inspired and enjoyed listening to your presentation. Even though we are not living with Parkinson’s, we felt boost of motivation to continue helping those who are living with this disease. I am motivated to make more personal phone calls to people living with PD and asking how they are doing. Sometimes that “extra” bit of kindness truly makes a difference to someone. I am also motivated to research program ideas and partner with other organizations that may have similar values.
I learned that life is unexpected and that you cannot control it. What matters is your attitude!
-Great way to end the day, brave man, thank you very much!
-Good, excellent, great, outstanding speaker, very moving!
-Inspirational who just “gets it”
-Positive thinker and very funny!
-Honest speaker but also humorous!
Parkinson’s Society of Southwest Ontario, Canada, Symposium Keynote Presentation
“whatever hand life deals you, whatever life changing adversity you have to endure, you still have some control over it.” “You don’t have to just to live well,” he advises,” but live an Amazing Life.” The formula he proposes: Faith in yourself, discipline, determination, desire, intensity, and inner strength.
MARY SPREMULLIVOICE AEROBICS
Yes, you touched every person at our conference, who will in turn change and impact so many others. The feedback from our participants was overwhelmingly positive. You are the only speaker to ever receive a standing ovation. Thank you for taking time to share, motivate and inspire. We are blessed to know you.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETINGREHABILITATION HOSPITAL
I will be honest. During the first 10 minutes of your presentation, I started reading work related material on my laptop. For surely, I had watched your You-Tube and seen your videos and knew what to expect. Surely, as a therapist I had studied this disease, the pathological components, the psychological components, the treatment alternatives……..Surely, I understand it.
Not so much. You caught my attention and I was enthralled. You were able to couple the impairments you experience with the emotions felt. You walked us through your life with the disease through “your eyes”. A perspective that a therapist/nurse rarely has the chance to hear. We get so busy telling patients how to deal with x, y and z, but our eyes are blurred by the science of it all most of the time.
You did it through truth, Through your humor, humility and determination to tell your story. One that most deservedly needs to be shared.
I will advocate to have you share your story. I appreciate your determination, diligence and dedication.
