Parkinson’s has turned my mother’s world upside down as she battles the late stages of Parkinson’s. Throughout it all, she has been remarkably optimistic, hopeful and such a fighter. Whether we have to coax her into taking her 25 something pills a day ranging from medicines, vitamins, as well as Holistic treatments, she has amazed me with her determination in proving that Parkinson’s will not define her. I admire her and her tenacity as she fights this disease.
As many of you might know, Mr. Big’s drummer Pat Torpey was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year. It was a dark time for him as he was faced with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s and led him to a dark time. He has found the light at the end of the tunnel and continues to rock out with Parkinson’s. He most recently wrote a blog for the Michael J. Fox foundation that is truly inspiring. You can check out the full post here: https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?rocking-out-with-parkinson
But in spring of 2008 I noticed something “strange” in my right foot and the way it moved when I played. I tried everything to fix the problem: used different pedals, shoes, drumheads, but nothing helped. I was originally diagnosed with essential tremor, until 2014 when my symptoms intensified. I began experiencing waves of fatigue, loss of appetite and eventually had trouble playing just one song, let alone a full two hour concert. (Pat Torpey Excerpt from blog post.)
It is so inspiring to hear Pat talk about how he has found his life after Parkinson’s just as my mother has and chose to take control of his situation. Check out Pat as he takes over vocals at the end of their set and the band performs a cover of Judas Priest’s Living After Midnight. It is a spectacular one and I love the energy these guys always deliver. Great job Pat!
If you don’t already have it, pick up the latest album from Mr. Big …The Stories We Could Tell which is available here on iTunes. Make sure to also visit their social media sites so you can stay up to date on the latest news and tour dates.
~ Marisol
Information & Links:
- Website: http://www.mrbigsite.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrbigmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrbigmusic
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