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Newly Diagnosed Parkinsons

December 5, 2010

It was a day I will never forget. The day I first laid eyes on Krista Brooks, MD.

Within minutes of us meeting, I knew. My life would never be the same.

I walked toward her. She knew before me. She read it in my eyes. She saw it in my facial expression.

She took my hand, and as it started to shake in hers, she said three words that changed my life forever.

No, not “I love you,” but ” You have Parkinsons.”

The world stood still. Everything went to slow motion. How old was I? I wasnt even sure at that moment, 43, 44.

Isn’t Parkinsons an old persons illness? But didn’t Michael J. Fox get this at an early age. Wasn’t that rare?

I staggered to the rest room. After splashing my face with cold water, I started to come back to my new reality.

Strangely, there is no test to determine if you have Parkinsons or PD other then doing an autopsy.

Being that I am still alive, and that I intend to stay that way for a long, long time, I opted against the autopsy (not a tough decision). What you can do is start the medication and see if it works. Unfortunately, the medication worked.

The first challenge was to continue to function as if nothing had happened. I now had a horrible secret, one not of my own making.

What also comes with the territory is going through the emotional trauma of letting your loved ones know and deal with their reaction while, at the same time, deal with your own emotions. I was exhausted.

When I finally got around to talking to my mother. Her reaction surprised me. Of course, she expressed empathy, but then she said something that I will never forget, “Everything happens for a reason.” Our family had always been fighters, but something was different.

She had said this phrase hundreds of times growing up, but something had changed, she used to say, “Everything happens for the best.” Why the change? She said, “I can’t imagine that you getting Parkinsons is for the best.” My mother unknowingly had provided the motivation to move forward. Is it possible to prove that it was for the best?

There was an event coming up in DC called The World Parkinsons Congress. My parents drove up to sit with me through a bunch of hyper-technical lectures – talk about love. Although you can’t stop the progression, you may be able to slow it. Wow, that was what I was hoping to hear (becoming a medical researcher was not an option, too late to go back to school, too old to put in 12 more years).

The to do list will not surprise you: exercise; eat right; reduce stress; laugh a lot (not really on the list); and lots of affection (not there either, but this is my list, so I will include whatever I want). By the way, eating right includes blueberries, strawberries, and (no kidding) red wine and dark chocolate. Say no more, sign me up.

This diagnosis also prompted me to do something different with my life than being the top attorney for a company.

Despite much concern, I started teaching several undergraduate classes at the University of Louisville and opened my own inspirational speaking & consulting business (LearnSuccessToday.com and ProactivePreventionCulture.com).

I am scheduled to speak in Cincinatti, Birmingham and Houston in 2011. Possibly also Indianapolis and Phoenix.  I will present anywhere, anytime (TheInspiringEsquire.com). My talk in entitled “Transforming Yourself Into a Proud Person with Parkinsons: The Power of Posi-spective (Positive Perspective).” For a preview, go to http://theinspiringesquire.com/2010/11/04/proud-person-with-parkinsons-explained-by-john-baumann-on-talk-radio-interview/

In addition, just as there is much that can we done to proactively prevent, or at least slow, the progression of Parkinsons, I have dedicated my energy and passion to eliminate workplace harassment, reduce workplace injuries, teach supervisory skills based upon appreciation and respect, enhance success skills, and speak on Parkinsons. My focus in all these presentations is to elevate awareness and understanding by providing instructive real life examples, engaging imagery and appropriate humor. I also hosted an Internet Talk Show on success.

This is where I am- enjoying life, enjoying work.

Oh yeah, did I mention that I have Parkinsons and I guess proud of it.

You can even call me a Proud Person with Parkinsons.

And my mother now believes that this is for the “best.”

Testimonials

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, LCSW Associate 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!

Patty CC 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 Wong WPP 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, MSW Program 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 SPREMULLI VOICE 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 MARKETING REHABILITATION 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.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REHABILITATION HOSPITAL