Fiercely independent
Charlottetown woman battles Parkinson’s with plenty of fight
Maureen Larkin is like a roughed-up fighter who refuses to stay down for the count.
Parkinson’s disease has delivered plenty of hefty blows to Larkin since she was diagnosed in 2002 with this progressive disorder of the central nervous system. The disease ended her 20year run as a facilitator and researcher with the Cooper Institute, an organization that promotes democracy. Just a couple years following the diagnosis, Larkin’s condition had progressed to a level where she could no longer drive. That left her to lean on others to get around, which made her feel like she was imposing on friends and family.
She is difficult to understand. Her speech is slurred, sometimes coming out as no more than an incomprehensible jumble.
Her balance is poor. Hunched, she staggers along the sidewalk, looking like she could hit the pavement at any moment. She does – time and again. Larkin tumbles to the ground, on average, three times a day, picking up scrapes and bruises along the way.
She remains undeterred. Parkinson’s disease can beat down her body, but not her will.
She is, in her own words, “very stubborn’’ and “fiercely independent”.
Larkin’s greatest dread is one day, due to the progression of Parkinson’s disease, having to move into a nursing home.
“I’d like to stay here as long as I can,’’ she says of her Charlottetown apartment.
She has made a great effort over her 16 years (and counting) of living with Parkinson’s disease to stay as independent as long as possible.
She takes eight pills every morning, another five at noon and five more in the evening. The pills help control the tremors, they temper stiffness and help with her balance.
While medication is critical, Larkin soon realized exercise is just as important, or even more so, to marching forward.
She tries to walk an hour every day. She goes to two exercise classes a week. She participates weekly in music therapy.
Dan Steele, president of the P.E.I. chapter of Parkinson Canada, says Larkin is an inspiration to people living with Parkinson’s disease.
“Where many who are diagnosed with PD (Parkinson’s disease) fall into the trap of withdrawing from the world, Maureen has done the opposite,’’ he says.
“Despite significant mobility and voice issues, she continues to be one of our most active volunteers in the P.E.I. chapter of Parkinson Canada. Her example as an advocate for her own health through physical fitness, her positive attitude, sense of humour and determination are things we can all learn from.’’
Larkin is not just looking out for herself.
She wants to help others who are living with Parkinson’s.
She served as president of the P.E.I. Chapter of Parkinson Canada for five years.
She is a determined fundraiser. And she has relished in helping to make the Charlottetown support group a more inviting place for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers and family members, watching the numbers grow considerably in the past 10 years.
On average, 15 people make their way to the monthly meetings but as many as 50 show up when a special speaker is invited.
“It’s easy to get depressed and to hide away and feel sorry for yourself,’’ says Larkin.
“That’s why I like to stay involved in things and do what I can to help out.’’