Moments of Victory® – Carl Ames Finds Joy in Getting Involved

Carl Ames

What has your journey been like since your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early 2008 and all along the way I’ve been blessed with a very supportive family, employment, church, medical and therapy professionals, friends and strangers. I have been very open about having Parkinson’s and have found that being positive and active rather than reclusive and depressed has helped me deal with the challenges that Parkinson’s brings.

I have become involved in different ways with various organizations within the Parkinson’s community to focus on advocacy, events, awareness and living well. Doing so has made it a lot easier for me.

Carl Ames Moments of VictoryHow do you live well each day?

I strive to have a positive attitude and not to let the challenges get me down. I like to interact with people and help others. I exercise and work on hobbies.

What do you wish you would have known when you were diagnosed that you know now about living with Parkinson’s?

That the sooner you get involved in Parkinson’s communities and seek out opportunities to meet others, the more positive the experience will be.

 

Carl Ames’s Philosophy

What do you wish everyone living with Parkinson’s knew about living well?

I wish everyone knew that it can be done. You can live well with Parkinson’s each and every day.

It’s not a death sentence to be told you have Parkinson’s because there are actions you can take to improve all areas of your life. Having a positive attitude, exercising regularly, developing relationships with others, eating well and tailoring your medications to give you the best results possible are all things you can control, and together they have the power to dramatically improve your quality of life while living with Parkinson’s.

Carl Ames is part of our cohort of Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassadors. Our Ambassadors are volunteers who share resources and information throughout their local and regional communities to help people take action and improve their quality of life with Parkinson’s. Connect with one of our Ambassadors and begin your journey today of living well with Parkinson’s!

in memoriam - Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson'sWe are saddened to share that Carl Ames passed away on June 14, 2022.

Though you are no longer with us, Captain Carl, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for being a friend and for the legacy you left to the Parkinson’s community.

Share Your Victory

Each month, we spotlight someone from our Parkinson’s community who embodies living well today – what we call Moments of Victory®.

Your story, like Carl’s, could be featured on our blog and Facebook page so others can learn from your experiences and victories.

Submit Your Moments of Victory

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