Mary Sontz, Portland, Maine

MEAPDA Executive Board: President

I was diagnosed in November, 2006 at the age of 40. I'll remember that day as if it were yesterday. The words that changed the way I saw myself and the world around me. Those words were, "I'm sorry to tell you but you have Parkinson's disease". What does one do with information like that? Well I believe that the challenges you are faced with in your life are put before you for a reason. You are meant to do something with it. You are meant to make a difference. I've asked myself on more than one occasion what is my purpose in this world. Well Parkinson's disease certainly qualifies as my biggest life challenge but I believe it also qualifies as one primary purpose in my life. Besides being a soul mate and best friend to my husband Mark, a mother to my children, Andrew and Liz, I was a person with Parkinson's disease that had something to say and the Maine Chapter of the APDA was going to be my voice. So when asked to serve as President I didn't even have to think twice. Even though over the last two years I have had many other challenges in my life that have redirected my course the many new members of my Parkinson's family have always remained a primary focus. I am here to lead, educate and create local awareness in the hopes of broadening the horizons of people without any previous knowledge of this progressive disease who in turn will educate others and help us raise the funds to find a cure.