Parkinson's Awareness Month - Two Stories of Hope

By Art McDainels and Richard Huckabee

The Month of April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and April 11, 2023, is World Parkinson’s Day. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing progressive neurological disease that leads to impaired mobility, mental health disorders, memory and sleep issues, and more. Black and African American individuals with this disease are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late.

Meet two Black American men living and thriving with Parkinson’s Disease in the Cleveland Ohio area.
Richard Huckabee is a Black male with Parkinson’s Disease. This year marks the 10th year anniversary of his diagnosis. Happily, he is thriving—although it took nine years before he received his diagnosis. Huckabee is a PD Mover, InMotion Ambassador, Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador, Parkinson’s Research Advocate, Health Citizen Scientist, Speaker, World Traveler, Storyteller, and amateur Photographer, and always keeps God first.

Exercise continues to be his main medication! Married to a wonderful woman, Angela, Huckabee has two children and one grandchild. He and his wife love to hike, travel, and involve themselves in the community. His goal is to continue these things and to enjoy life.

Art McDaniel says “I’m a Black male diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the Fall of 2016. It caught me by surprise and was not welcoming news.” But instead of going into denial, not wanting to believe it, McDaniel says he embraced the diagnosis and started his own journey of learning as much as possible with the purpose of controlling the disease instead of the disease controlling him. “I have been married for the past 44 years to my wife Cherie, and have two children, and five grandchildren. My objective is to be an active participant in the lives of my grandchildren while continuing to coach, teach and mentor students and others on how to achieve their life goals.”

There are two resources these men use and recommend to live well and continue to thrive. One resource is an exciting new book, titled “The PD Movers – We Keep Moving.” It highlights the stories of 11 people of color with Parkinson’s disease, and/or their care partners. These stories are of faith, hope, and thriving with Parkinson’s disease. Educational materials are shared throughout the book. What made this project so unique is that everyone involved with this project from the contributors, editors, illustrator, and printer is Black, African American, and people of color.

Another resource they use is InMotion, a community-based wellness center, free for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. InMotion offers Parkinson-specific exercise classes, healing arts, educational programs, support, and more. InMotion is located at 23905 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, (216) 342-4417.