My PD Story

My dad, “Poppy”, “Chellini”, “Albert” was a fiercely independent self -made man, a Jewish Iraqi immigrant who arrived in New York, NY, all on his own, on his 16th birthday in 1939. He hustled hard and lived the American dream. He spoke Arabic, English, some Spanish, some Yiddish, traveled the world with my sister and me. He was filled with passions for Broadway plays, good belly dancing and live music. Parkinson’s disease (PD) robbed him of his independence, his ability to speak, to feed himself, and to walk, but his joys remained the same, and we kept them coming… 

Parenting a parent is emotionally stunning at first, but it felt good to do for him what I knew would bring him joy. Middle eastern food delivery, of course. And professional belly dancing! We hoisted him out of bed in some hospital crane contraption, rolled his wheelchair into the living room, and voila… His own private belly dancer, every month, and a dance party with his little grandsons and neighbors from the apartment building. We were keeping traditions alive! 

I also asked his relatives and the network of people who’d known him for decades to send me a paragraph of their fondest memory of my dad and created a book of these stories. So, despite his diminished abilities and social outings, he could hear and feel that continued love and respect. He loved every single story.  

With mobility limited, and conversation topics getting smaller, we filled time by reading joke books —short jokes. Nothing’s better than laughter. And weekly massages from a professional masseuse to soothe the body that was betraying him.   

My father died just shy of his 82nd birthday. And now, sadly, I have two friends, peers, recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s.  

My partner and I launched Jewelry for Good to raise funds for Parkinson’s Foundation. We turn unwanted/broken/out of style/haven’t-worn-it-in-years gold jewelry and sterling silver items like bowls, trays, flatware that our kids don’t want to inherit, into cash for Parkinson’s Foundation. Donors get a tax deduction receipt for the full value, and the Parkinson’s Foundation gets the check to aid their important work.  

Don’t wear it? Donate it! 

Don’t use it? Donate it! 

Jewelry for Good.  

The Parkinson’s Foundation works with Jewelry For Good to donate your unwanted items or help you host a Bring Your Bling event. Learn more. 

Discover new ways to give to the Parkinson’s Foundation today or create your own fundraiser as a Parkinson’s Champion. Learn more.