by Karen Patterson It’s time to unite. To shine our light. Yes, and join the fight To do what’s right With all our might. Yes, and time to cross that line— To admit we are not “fine.” With your stories and mine, Memories traced along the third base line. Unite is the word I’ve chosen […]

Vulnerability. I don’t like this choice because it threatens me. I know the power of the word. I teach it often in my improv and storytelling classes. I ask students to say the first thing that comes to mind, to put their characters in peril, to raise the stakes by increasing vulnerability. But making it […]

Life really isn’t fair. People in the Parkinson’s community know this very well. Most of us heard this truism early, but it never stops hurting when it shows up unexpectedly, cruel, and senseless. Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle, being gone isn’t fair.  And yet, here we are. I keep thinking about Stand By Me […]

I’m heart-broken. Like so many, the devastating news that Rob Reiner, whose work shaped how I see movies, storytelling, and life itself, was taken from this world along with his wife in a violent tragedy. My heart goes out to their family, friends, collaborators, and all who loved them. Rob’s work made us laugh, cry, […]

Empowering the PD Community Through Success Stories™ Parkinson’s disease has always been surrounded by stories—some helpful, many harmful. “It’s just tremors.” “You don’t look like you have PD.” “It’s not that bad.” These phrases, often spoken casually, can land with surprising weight. They erase complexity. They minimize struggle. And, perhaps most damaging, they silence possibility. […]

For many, the words “Parkinson’s disease” (PD) elicit fear. Decline. Stillness. A gradual shrinking of life. That’s part of the narrative people in the PD know and subscribe to—the one dominated by stigma, misunderstanding, and hopelessness. But that isn’t the whole   story. It ’s not even the most important one. Success Stories™  were created […]

Cinema Therapy is a creative therapeutic approach that leverages the power of film narratives to support emotional insight, healing, and… Originally Published on https://www.yesandexercise.org/

I’ve been a Stephen King fan for as long as I can remember, but The Long Walk  has always held a special place for me. Written under his… Originally Published on https://www.yesandexercise.org/

Dear John, From the moment we met, you brought wisdom, humor, and heart into the Yes, And…eXercise! circle. You were one of the first to… Originally Published on https://www.yesandexercise.org/

Up until the mid-2000’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment was almost entirely pharmaceutical. Exercise wasn’t yet validated as… Originally Published on https://www.yesandexercise.org/