Angela Bennett’s life is a symphony of resilience – a dance that defies the quiet encroachment of Parkinson’s. After a tragedy that saw her parents perish in the MGM Grand fire in Las Vegas when she was only 12, she vowed early on to live a life that honored their memory. That promise led her to a career in nursing, a calling where compassion and determination walked hand in hand. Now, during Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, her story shines as a beacon of hope.
At 49, when Bennett was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s, the news hit like a second tragic loss. Anger and despair roiled within her, emotions that echoed the pain of losing her parents. Yet she chose not to be defined by sorrow. “The most important thing is to just keep moving,” she insists – a mantra that propels her forward even on the hardest days. This relentless determination transforms every setback into a steppingstone toward a fuller, richer life.
Despite the weight of her diagnosis, Bennett refuses to be boxed into a story of decline. Instead, she shares the unfiltered truth about Parkinson’s. “Parkinson’s can be classified as young onset, early onset or regular Parkinson’s,” she says. “I have early onset. Michael J. Fox has young-onset onset. He was in his 20s. It is a destruction of part of the brain that produces dopamine. Why is dopamine important? It’s one of the chemicals in our brain, similar to serotonin or epinephrine. It helps us move. It keeps us from being stiff, slow, depressed, sad, nervous, or freeze. That’s what happens.” Her words remind us that beyond the visible tremors and slowed steps lies a complex struggle – a battle against a depletion of dopamine that affects every facet of life.
Not one to be limited by her condition, Bennett channels her strength into adventures that many wouldn’t dare to dream of. Currently training for a bike ride from Cincinnati to Cleveland, she has already conquered the vast expanse of Missouri on the well-known Katy Trail. Each pedal stroke is a rebellion against the rigidity of Parkinson’s, a declaration that she will not allow the disease to dictate the pace of her life. Her commitment to physical activity is a powerful statement that the constraints of illness do not measure life, but by the passion with which we pursue our dreams.
Yet Bennett’s spirit doesn’t end at the bike trail. In the garage of her Franklin home, she loses herself in the joyous art of tap dancing. The rhythmic tapping of her shoes is a dance of defiance, a way to keep her body agile and her heart light. And every week, when she spends precious moments with her baby granddaughter, a new generation witnesses the embodiment of courage and grace.
Bennett’s battle is not fought without its challenges. Medications like levodopa offer temporary relief, often shadowed by side effects such as dyskinesia. There are moments when the medication wears off, leaving her vulnerable to freezing spells that threaten to halt her progress. Even so, her deep brain stimulator stands as a silent ally, easing her symptoms so that she can continue to meet life head-on. She admits that the off times “feel terrible,” yet she never loses sight of the importance of humor and movement.
In Angela Bennett’s life, Parkinson’s is not the whole story; it is just one chapter in an epic narrative of overcoming, inspiring and loving fiercely. Her journey reminds us that beneath the surface of every diagnosis lies an intricate tapestry of emotion, strength and hope. Her spirit teaches us that while Parkinson’s may challenge the body, it can never conquer the heart. And so, with each ride, each tap and each smile shared with her granddaughter, Bennett proves that the human spirit, when set in motion, knows no bounds.
Comments 1
Awesome message. She is a great example of never giving up, stopping, but continuing to fight back.