-This is the third of three installments by guest blogger, Todd Bischoff. Our thanks to Todd for his insightful and heart-felt blogs. If you would like to guest blog on a subject important to you, please email Matt at mnilsen@myparkinsonsinfo.com.
I’m currently working on a film documentary about young-onset PD. When I was recently diagnosed, I immersed myself in any and all literature I could find. I wanted to be as educated as I possibly could about my illness. Mostly what I found was all doom and gloom. What I didn’t find was a film or DVD that talked about PD from a young-onset point of view, in a frank and honest way. So I utilized my background as an actor and writer, and set out to make my own film.
One of the questions that I ask my subjects, and the one that seems to inspire the most thought is, “What have you gained from having PD?” This question almost always causes my interviewees to pause and really think about their answer. And it got me to thinking about the changes PD has brought to my personal life.
Prior to my diagnosis, I was very focused and intent on everything I did. I worked long hours in the hospital with children. I was carrying a full class load at my grad school. I was student teaching at the college level. I had my hands in various other creative projects as well. On top of that, I had to find time for my wife, our dog, and my responsibilities around our house. I kept a schedule that was exhausting for a physically fit person, but not at all appropriate for a person with PD.
Then came my diagnosis. I’ve lost the ability to work full-time in the chaos of a hospital environment. But I gained the time to volunteer with kids in a different capacity and still receive the same satisfaction from helping them get through a difficult experience. All without the stress, wear, and tear that I was previously enduring.
I’ve gained the luxury of time, something that seems so incredibly precious these days. I use that time to concentrate on my last semester of grad school and instead of just plowing through it, I’m enjoying the experience. And I use the extra time to be a better student teacher, because the students I work with deserve it. I hope to inspire them to achieve great things, no matter what their personal career choice may be.
I’ve also gained a new purpose. Before I worked with kids in the hospital, I usually did things because it made me happy, regardless of how it may have affected others. But after working with those kids, I realized that I could be at my best and happiest when I was helping someone else. Now, in addition to kids, I hope to help those with PD, and the people in their lives.
PD has given me the time to do something I’ve always wanted to do, and that is make a film. So I get to spend time with fellow young-onset PD patients and put their stories on film. Then I’ll get to share their message with hopefully thousands more. That’s a pretty powerful thing in my opinion.
I also have been given the opportunity to start a business public speaking about PD to schools, colleges, medical facilities, and community programs. Any time I’ve been given to educate, advocate, and make people more aware of PD is a gift indeed. It’s also a responsibility that I take seriously. Others in the PD community are great at fund raising, writing books, or political advocacy. My talent is public speaking and making a film. That’s a pretty cool gift and one I hope to use for many years to come.
The other important thing I’ve gained is a stronger relationship with my wife. PD has brought us closer together. Like a lot of people, we were both so caught up in our careers and other interests that we had lost our ability to truly be together. PD has allowed us both to slow down and appreciate each other more than we ever have.
PD has definitely taken a great deal away from me and changed my life dramatically. But I’ve recognized the positive changes it has brought and choose to do as much good as I can for those of us affected with this hideous disease. I know that PD is a serious struggle for many, many people. I certainly respect that and don’t want to downplay that in any way. But if I can make a positive difference, somehow, some way, for a few people with PD (and their caregivers) then I think I’ll have accomplished a great deal. What a gift that is.
Todd Bischoff is a PD patient who lives in Ontario, California with his wife Joyce and their dog Kaylee. Todd is an ex-athlete, actor, radio personality, voice-over artist, and Child Life Specialist who now is a public speaker on behalf of PD, and is currently filming a documentary on young-onset PD. He frequently contributes to the North Orange County chapter of the National Parkinson’s Foundation website at www.npfocc.org.
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