World Parkinson's Day 2025: The Strength Behind the Shiver!
It’s strange how time changes things. One moment, you’re walking hand-in-hand with your grandfather and the next, you're watching him struggle to take a single step. My grandfather, my companion since childhood, wasn’t just my storyteller, he was the one who taught me English, who recited poems he loved, and nurtured my curiosity with his quiet wisdom.It was at a family function a few years ago when I first noticed something unsettling. His steps, once firm and confident, had become slow and unsure. That moment marked the beginning of a journey none of us were prepared for.On this World Parkinson’s Day 2025, I revisit that memory not just with emotion, but with purpose. Because Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect one person, it affects families, memories, routines, and relationships. And yet, amid all of this, what stayed untouched was his spirit. He still guided my writing, and remained mentally present, offering insights and love that no disease could ever take away.Understanding Parkinson’s: The Silent IntruderParkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical responsible for transmitting signals for smooth and coordinated muscle movements, begin to die or become impaired. The cause is still largely unknown, though a mix of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a role.Symptoms often begin subtly: tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, balance issues, or changes in speech and writing. Over time, these symptoms can intensify, making even everyday tasks feel mountainous. The complexity of Parkinson’s lies in its unpredictable nature, each person experiences it differently, and no single treatment works for all. While there is currently no cure, medications, therapy, and support systems can significantly improve quality of life.Compassion Over Cure: How We Can HelpCaring for someone with Parkinson’s requires immense patience, empathy, and understanding. Whether it's playing a simplified version of a board game, listening to stories at a slower pace, or simply sitting together in silence, these small acts build emotional bridges. Society must also move beyond pity and stigma, and instead foster inclusion, accessibility, and support networks. Let’s start conversations, support research, making sure those living with Parkinson’s never feel like they’re fighting alone.On this World Parkinson’s Day, let us remember: while Parkinson’s may shake the body, it cannot shake the resilience of the human spirit. Here's to my Grandfather and all those uncountable silent warriors who are fighting Parkinson everyday with an unwavering spirit!
