I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to Purdue University Press for helping me fine-tune this book so that it may help more people affected by Parkinson’s. Thanks to their wonderful team, including Katherine, Kelley, Bryan, and especially Justin, who, although he’s the head guy around there, was always accessible and not at all intimidating.
Thank you to my agent, Wendy Keller (Keller Media), who makes magic happen every day. Thanks for your patience in teaching me the ways of traditional publishing, and most importantly for believing in me and my books.
Thank you to my favorite editor and book coach, Kelsey Fritts. You are a master at both and I’m so grateful for all your work on this and future projects.
A very special thank you to Dr. Abraham Lieberman, who took the time to review the medical sections of this book. I so appreciate your knowledge and feedback, and it has been an honor to learn from you.
Thank you, Dr. Pravin Khemani (MD, FAAN, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington), for your assistance in reviewing this book. I’m very grateful for your notes and additions. It is wonderful to have a Parkinson’s expert in my neck of the woods! Thanks also to Dr. Laura Mischley (ND, PhD, MPH, Seattle Integrative Medicine, Seattle, Washington), who helped with the nutrition section. Your study in this field is so important and I’m very appreciative to have had your input.
A big thank you to Mark Warenycia for all your work with AllAboutParkinsons.com. This book would never have gotten off the ground without you.
My deepest gratitude goes to all those who helped Mom live her best life with Parkinson’s: To her sister Muriel, who cared tirelessly for her in her last two years of life and was there to hug her and hold her hand until the very end. To Mom’s niece Shauna, for taking her on sunset walks and enjoying Cheezies talks with her. To the Lehto, Jouppi, Letourneau, Wagg, and Doherty families—I cannot thank you enough for the love you showed Mom throughout her illness. To Kate and Mignonette, thanks for all the care you gave Mom. Your extra special attention to her needs made a massive difference in her life. And finally, to Finlandia Nursing Home, for the exceptional care and respect you gave Mom in her last days. Thank you for allowing her to die with dignity.
An extra special merci beaucoup to my sister Tanya, whom I’ll always call my twin because we’re so close. Thanks for cheering me on and telling me I could do this author thing! Thanks to my sister Lara for being my inspiration every day and defying the odds of what can be done when one has advanced pancreatic cancer. To Brother T., aka my brother Tim, and sister-in-law Monica, thank you for your encouragement and prayers when I need them. To Maia and Ellie, thanks for being Gramma’s little helpers.
My biggest thanks to my husband, Nicholas. Everything I write comes from love, and your love keeps me going. Looking forward to many more books together!
My humble thanks to God, for blessing me over and over (and over) again. I am nothing without You.