Fatherhood and Parkinson’s | 9

When Life Gives You Parkinson's

In this episode, you will meet my 9-year old son Henry, hear his infectious laugh and find out the one burning question he has about Parkinson’s. I think Henry might just want a normal Dad, not one with Parkinson's , my co-host Niki Reitmayer and my wife Rebecca try to convince me otherwise.

On Saturdays, Henry and I go on adventures. We hang out, run errands, laugh, talk, and just spend time together. Father-son time means even more for me since my Parkinson’s diagnosis. I don’t always have the energy or ability to do the things we used to do and that will only get worse over time, so when we get the chance to connect, I relish it.

Parenting is hard regardless if you have Parkinson’s or not. Parky can make things harder, however, it also allows me to demonstrate how I deal with adversity, teaches Henry empathy, the importance of philanthropy, and the value of quality time over quantity time.

You will also hear from fellow father with PD Jonny Acheson about how he talks to his kids about Parkinson’s and how PD has changed how he approaches parenting. Singer Songwriter Emily Chambers was 12-years old when her dad was diagnosed and TeaParky.com creator Michael Chueng was 11. They both talk about what it was like to grow up with a Dad who has Parkinson’s and offer advice to my son Henry.

Wondering how to talk to kids about Parkinson's? Check this link out https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Talking-to-Children.pdf

Follow me, Larry Gifford

Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod

Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod

Instagram: @parkinsonspod

Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer

Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer

Thank you to Dan Gifford, Tracy Cherry, Jonny Acheson, and…

Emily Chambers. You can check out her music at www.emilychambers.caand follow her for future alerts about “Shake, Shake, Shake.”

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/emilychambersmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/em_chambers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilychambersmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/em_chambers/

Michael Chueng. Check out his site www.teaparky.comand follow him.

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/teaparkydotcom/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaParky/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaparkydotcom/

And special thanks to my son Henry and to my wife Rebecca Gifford.

For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/

The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000

Or follow them on Twitter

Parkinson Canada @ParkinsonCanada

Parkinson Society BC @ParkinsonsBC

Credits

Dila Velazquez – Story Producer

Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

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