Kari D. Sher, South Portland, Maine

MEAPDA Executive Board: 2nd Vice President

Since 1998, I have worked in commercial real estate for East Brown Cow Management, Inc., Portland, Maine. Currently, I am working towards a bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance from The University of Southern Maine. To add fun and creativity to my world, I enjoy designing jewelry. Additionally, I have a fondness for cooking, gardening and photography.

John, Parkinson Disease, and I met eight years ago. Shortly after we met, John had experimental Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Truth be known at the time, I had no idea what Parkinson Disease was all about or what it looked like. I was also unaware of the struggles PD patients cope with every day.

Since then, John and I have had many conversations about PD. I remember one particular story that shows people's lack of awareness about PD and the prejudice that some patients face. John's Parkinson disease is quite advanced (clinically between stage 4 and stage 5) so he struggles with dyskinesia or un-controlled body motion. One day he was standing in line (with some dyskinesia) waiting to make a purchase, when he heard a little voice from behind. The young child asked her mother "What's wrong with that man?" Her mother replied, "He is intoxicated!" John's Parkinson's developed almost two decades ago, so he is no stranger to misperception. He turned around and said to the woman, "No, I have Parkinson Disease." My relationship with John and his struggles with PD brought me into the Parkinson's Community.

I read somewhere that when we give our time to help others, everybody wins... the giver, the receiver, and the community! The work I do with the APDA is not purely selfless. I definitely feel that I get as much if not more than I give. Mary, Dana, Mark, Ray, Carolyn, Elizabeth and John -- I am extremely grateful for he opportunity to work with such a cast of characters!