Woodworking

My name is Randy LeBlanc. I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s since 2005. Before I was diagnosed, I was an engineer and a woodworker. I found woodworking as a hobby, and it became a part of my daily life. After my diagnosis, I fell out of woodworking, not hopeful I would start it again.

One day, I was inclined to make a toy for my grandson for Christmas. I got back into my shop, and I made a rather impressive toy train. Not long after that, I was back on track to being in my shop every day. It did not take long for me to build and expand my workspace. To this day, I am continuously building new things, like a bed frame for my daughter, culinary instruments, and paint easels for my grandchildren.

A big part of my mission is family. Being able to share my woodwork with my family members keeps me always connected to them. It is a beautiful thing that my grandchildren will grow up to still have a gift I made for them.

I have had multiple offers to sell my work; however, whenever I am offered payment for my pieces, I tell whoever it is to donate how much they think it is worth to the Parkinson's cause. Mission for Movement has felt like one of my children recently, and I have great hope my mission will make a difference for the Parkinson's community.