Recovery

My name is Billy McInroy. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s February 2021 after noticing tremors on my left side and some cognitive issues. It did take some time to be diagnosed due to COVID and other illnesses at the time.

Afterward, I met Randy Leblanc who introduced me to two helpful organizations: the Mission for Movement and Movers and Shakers. My wife and I quickly got involved with these two groups to do whatever we could to help. Having these support groups has helped us both to deal with and better understand my diagnosis. It’s about learning, sharing and encouraging others.

I learned quickly that when you meet a person with Parkinson’s, you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s as the disease affects everyone differently. You learn from others and from trying things as you go. At one point I lost movement in my left hand and had little use of it. I tried exercise and began to play my Ukulele and it was not long until the strength in my hand was restored.  This is just one example of learning and sharing with others. 

Last year, we had to take a step back from the groups when I was diagnosed with cancer. Now that I am recovering from various treatments, my wife and I are trying to find how to best support Mission for Movement on upcoming projects. We are excited to see what the future holds with this group, and we are ready for the next step.