A couple of years ago, my Dad told my Mom that he wanted to take a trip to Europe with his favorite daughter, who by the way, is unbelievably talented, caring, adorable and overall magnificent… or so I hear. The idea seemed so far-fetched that it was hard to imagine myself standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, snapping a few pictures of Big Ben in London, or admire the beautiful tulips in Amsterdam (which if you don’t know, is the official flower of Parkinson’s disease).
My Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia a few years ago, which gave him a different outlook on life. Similar to me having Colon Cancer at a young age and now challenged by Parkinson’s disease, our medical issues forced us to prioritize what is important, to live everyday as if it were our last. So on his bucket list was a Daddy/Daughter trip to Europe before our health limits us from going on this adventure together. Thanks to a very dear friend, and my Dad’s determination, the dream is becoming a reality. We leave for Europe tomorrow morning!
As you can imagine I am excited, scared, nervous, and giddy all at once. I have never been out of the country except for my World Parkinson’s Congress trip last year to Montreal. As I keep my promise to Earl Bakken, I will Live on and Give on, by offering my services to Parkinson’s UK. I will be visiting their headquarters in London and speaking to a group of Parkies. Keep up with my blog and I will post pictures and let you know the important things like, “Is fro yo just as good in Europe as it is in the United States?” Bon Voyage!
Hi Allison.
I do hope your dad and you have had the rest of a good trip!
It was great to have you here at Parkinson’s UK, and to share our work with you and also to find out more about you! Everyone enjoyed meeting you.
Look forward to seeing the pictures 😉
Luis
Luis, Thank you so much for having us! We are so grateful you were able to take the time out of your busy day to show us around. You guys are making a huge impact! Keep up the good work. Blog and Pics coming soon!
Awesome Allison!! Traveling Europe just father and daughter is a great idea, especially you and your dad can share battling of health obstacles, not just papa and a kid. I know you two are going to have a wonderful time and seeding a lot of memories where ever you go. Today is the youngest day of rest of our life so I also will do challenge if i have capacity. See you soon my HERO!!!
Enjoy and discover and many hugs!
Envy!!! Been across the pond many times but could use just one more trip before……..I can’t. Hate that word. But, as you say, do it now because you never know. Have a great time and when you get back I will have a party of about 80 people to celebrate your return. PM and I will play you a song.
I am looking forward to your party when I get back. Hope you feel better soon. good Luck tmw!
Allison, you and your Dad are going to have an incredibly fantastic trip . I was in Paris and then Scotland just last week. There appears to be a U.S. Parkie Invasion of Europe this fall. I wish that I had been able to visit the Parkinson’s organizations in France and Scotland, but the first part of my trip was business and the second was a much welcome escape to Brigadoon. Perhaps if you have an opportunity, I would appreciate you sharing my perspective on PD by offering the Parkinson’s groups this link to my presentation “Live Well Now” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZHQwmPb-xM See everything that you can, soak in the culture, try different foods, get lost, and dazzle everyone with your incredible optimism! Bon Voyage, John
Awesome John! Thank you for your youtube link… I will pass it along!