In fall 1994, my grandmother, Etha Michelson, was a “Kindergarten Grandparent” for my class.  A few times a year, they would come to our classroom to assist with art projects, ranging from popsicle stick sculptures to cardboard Christmas ornaments.  I remember feeling so special because it gave me a sense of pride to share my Grandma with my friends.  She felt the same way.  All through middle and high school, whenever she met one of my teachers she would smile and say that she had been a Kindergarten Grandparent. 

In spring 2005, when I was a high school sophomore, my grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.  I have almost no recollection of her diagnosis — I had never heard of PD and she didn’t seem sick.  To me, she seemed like her normal self, always quick to offer advice or a comforting word.

I have more fond childhood memories of my grandmother than I could ever begin to list. I am truly grateful for all the time I had with her growing up and that, despite the many challenges her PD brings, I still have time with her now.

Today, my grandmother has been living with PD for eight years and I work at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  I am so fortunate to be a part of this organization making incredible strides to cure PD.  Every day, I am inspired by my grandmother to work hard so that I, too, can play a role in these critical efforts.  MJFF not only has a unique fundraising model (with no endowment or financial reserves), but also exemplifies a new kind of collaboration that is making a real impact on the lives of patients and families.

Working at MJFF allows me to honor my grandmother every day. Sunday, September 8, is National Grandparents’ Day. Join me in honoring a grandparent by sending an eCard and making a gift to speed a cure.