This article is reprinted from the summer 2003 issue of the Parkinson Update, published by the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area.

Two years ago, I received the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. I must admit, it was an unexpected shock. From the onset, there were very few outside symptoms to suggest the disease, so except for my husband and two sons who live close by, I kept the diagnosis to myself and went on with my life. Over the course of being diagnosed and having an MRI, my daughter who works at The Weather Channel called and caught me at a weak moment and I shared my news with her. We have six grown children, two in the area and the others scattered across the country. For whatever reason, time went by and I never felt the time was right to share my diagnosis with the other kids.

Early this year, my husband and I registered to participate in the Parkinson Unity Walk on the Weather Channel Team. Imagine my shock when I received an e-mail that my daughter in Colorado had contributed on my behalf to the Parkinson Unity Walk. Our daughter who knew of the diagnosis had e-mailed all her siblings suggesting they might like to sponsor me in the Unity Walk. She had no idea all were not aware of my diagnosis. I of course immediately realized I needed to share with my 3 remaining children who had been totally unaware of my situation. I wrote a heartfelt letter and shared my news of the Parkinson's diagnosis. The outpouring of their love, concern and support was unbelievable and they were totally understanding and eager to make donations in my honor for the Unity Walk.

So, on a rainy Saturday, April 26th, 59 people joined Team Cantore of the Weather Channel to participate in the Parkinson Unity Walk in Central Park, New York City. Of those people, 6 were from our family and while our entire family did not actually walk, they all supported the walk with donations to the Parkinson research. The team raised close to $28,000. In addition to the money raised, the Walk was an epiphany for me and I feel peaceful in the knowledge that all my family are aware and support me in this great challenge of my life.

The Parkinson's Unity Walk began in 1994 through the dedicated efforts of patient, families, support groups and friends who were affected by Parkinson's Disease. Their main goal was to raise awareness and funds for research to find a cure for Parkinson's. Each year since, the walk has grown and the funds raised have dramatically increased. This year there were close to 4,000 walkers and more than $500,000 was raised for Parkinson's disease research. I feel confident we will conquer this disease.