Janet Reno greets Parkinson's Action Network attendee, Ray Gardner
My Parkinson's Info met with Reno in Washington D.C. We discussed life with Parkinson's disease in her high profile role. Just like all PD patients, she had to deal with symptoms that are inconvenient, disturbing, and uncomfortable at times. "Sometimes my hand just shook," Reno said.
Nurturing hobbies and interests helps her maintain a high quality of life. "I enjoy reading, working in the yard, and sailing," she says. She is currently reading Michael Grunwald's book The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise. She fuels her legal interest advocating on behalf of the American Judicature Society. She also finds satisfaction in her work on the Innocence Project, to exonerate the wrongfully convicted by using DNA evidence. She spends much of her time taking care of her brother, who is lives with and battles Alzheimer's disease. She can relate with those of you who pour your time, heart, and sacrifice into taking care of a person who needs you.
Reno was in Washington D.C. to address the Parkinson's Action Network. She inspired and lifted the attendees with her personal anecdotes as Attorney General and her post-Washington life. With a tone of amusement in her voice she related the day she departed from Washington D.C., shortly after resigning as Attorney General. "A great weight lifted off my shoulders," she said. "Then a dark cloud appeared. Had I really agreed to appear on Saturday Night Live that night?"
Will Ferrell, the comedian that parodied her for years, greeted her at the door in his Janet Reno costume. Acting on live TV was a new experience for Reno. Perhaps her impromptu experiences interacting with the Washington press corp prepared her for the New York soundstage.
As for all PWP, Reno's journey with the disease has been clearly marked."In March of 1995, I remember it was a cold day, when I felt my first hand miscue."
A few weeks later, while confronting the Oklahoma City bombing, she noticed more symptoms. This prompted her to visit her doctor. "My doctor told me, 'You have Parkinson's disease,'" she said. "'For 20 years you'll be fine. Now I want to talk to you about violence.' And for the rest of the visit he talked to me about what I was going to do about violence."
After Reno learned she had PD, she took up kayaking. She found solace and relief on the waterways that flow through the nation's capital. Her FBI detail was not always able to anticipate where the waters and her paddle strokes would take her,and she lost them once, briefly.
"As I go over a rapid [my] whole concentration is how to stay upright," she said.
Janet Reno forded many rapids before she picked up kayaking as a hobby. Staying upright over rapids must have come naturally.
