This last weekend, I made the long journey to the state of Kansas. To the city of Hays to be specific. I was following the yellow brick road to attend the Emerald Ball and receive an award acknowledging my “Outstanding Achievements in the Parkinson’s community.”
First day in Hays, I am doing my part to raise awareness, which included a talk about Parkinson’s disease and its impact on my life to hundreds of high school students. With arms crossed and scowls on their faces, I apparent that they were just too cool to show any emotion. Talk about a tough crowd. But as the speakers for that day came onto the stage for one last curtsey, I notice a screen behind us with the words, “A hero’s welcome” illuminating for all to see. Me? A Hero?
That weekend, I was referred to as a “hero” on multiple occasions. This was an awkward feeling for me. While I make many references to the well-known fact that I’m freakishly smart, adorable and pretty much an all over amazing human being, a hero I am not. This got me thinking, what is a hero?
When I think of a hero, I think of a woman in a cape bouncing around, saving people… all while wearing a skin-tight leather body suit and rocking extremely high stilettos. And what is up with her perfect hair that doesn’t even seem to move? I want to know what brand of hairspray she is using. Or the fact that she always has a fresh coat of lip-gloss on? Do you know how hard that look is to pull off? Can’t the girl give us a break and eat a donut? Sheesh!
There is also the dude who is an ordinary dork during the day, but a super hero who is fighting crime and injustice at night. Once again, wearing an unrealistic leather onesie, complete with a mask. But for some reason his voice is different and no one recognizes his eyes closely resembles someone they already know. Hmmmm.
Then we see everyday heroes, who are the firefighters, police officers and other everyday people who don’t think twice about risking their own lives for others, like running into a burning building to save an old woman in distress. Or when a man jumps into a frozen lake to save a puppy in trouble.
The definition of “hero” as described by my apple computer is, “a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Well that’s a sucky definition, probably written by a man… so I go to Oxford Dictionaries. They state that a hero is, “A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities.” I can live with that. But it’s probably best to ask the great and powerful Wizard of Oz… my Dad. He states that a hero means, “Someone who takes action that results in saving another (or others) from harm without any thought of compensation or celebrity.”
It’s the night of the Emerald Ball. My seamless emerald-green dress, braided up-do, chandelier earrings, flawless makeup and high heels with gold rhinestones looked perfect next to my smoking hot date, my father, who is courageously wearing a tuxedo. The night is going splendid, when it’s time to go up on stage and receive my award. I have a brief moment of anxiety, fearing that I might try to stand and with wobbly, just-born Bambi legs, I would trip on my gorgeous gown, and fall flat on my face, while my dress flies over my head… well at least I would be remembered.
My biography is announced and that silly word “Hero” is dropped, then my name is called. I stand, my feet numb from my sparkly heels, I start my ascend onto the stage. As I grasp my beautiful award, I think to myself, “I don’t feel like a hero, but I do feel a sense of accomplishment.” I point to my Dad. I against all odds, have taken a devastating diagnosis, and made a choice to help others. But this was just something embedded in me. I didn’t have a plan to take on this challenge. It was just what had to be done. All this pain and struggle couldn’t be for nothing.
While the word “hero” still sounds funny to me, I was honored to receive my award. Truthfully, it slept with me on the pillow that night in the hotel… right next to travel size Blue Blankin. And hey, if a hero means getting to wear a beautiful gown, having my hair and make-up done, while supporting the Parkinson’s disease community, well then hand me a cape and mask, because this super hero is coming out!
Congratulations! For every individual you touch your activities, others impacted by Parkinson’s benefit from improved Parkinson’s awareness.
Thank you for your comment. Awareness is the way to a cure!
Congratulations! You truly deserve to be called a Hero!
Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you!
I see a hero as some one who unselfishly dedicates their skills towards the betterment of others, while at times, sacrificing a part of themselves …a role you naturally fill as you endlessly inspire us through your actions and humour to make to the best of each day. Thank you Parky, you truly understand.
Thank you Shane! Your very kind.
You’ve always been a “hero” to me because of all that you do for Parkinson’s Disease. But perhaps “role model” or “inspiration” would be better terms. It was your work and several others that inspired me to become a Grassroots leader for the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) where the Massachusetts team is not only advocating at the federal level, we have been working with State Representative Diane DiZoglio to form a Parkinson’s Disease caucus, where we just held our first meeting this month and are scheduled to host again in April 2016 during Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
For those of you, who aren’t ready to be a Grassroots Leader, I feel anybody can be an E-Advocate through the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN). (http://parkinsonsaction.org/sign-up/)
By becoming an E-Advocate, you get newsletters and emails that notify you of legislative activities and alerts of situations, where we ask you to “Take Action” Even with Take Action alerts, PAN will do most of the work for you. You just provide some information and the site creates a ready to send or edit email letter and identifies your legislators for you. It can also generate Twitter “tweets” for you..
Thank you Allison for being my inspriation and role model. I consider you a friend and am very happy about you receiving the award. Well deserved!
Regards,
Dan
Thank you Dan. For your friendship and you efforts to the cause. Happy Thanksgiving.
You definitely deserve the award and recognition for all your hard work and steller personality !! You are a hero to the people in your circle, Wear the cape proudly!! love you
Thank you for your support chickadee.
“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” (Lightning bolts and thunder sounds.) Kansas IS a unique state. Very proud of my daughter and love meeting/helping those involved with the P.D. Crusade. Onward to the World Parkinson Congress!
Thanks for joining me Dad! You were the best date I could have had!
Perhaps you can join your fellow blog lovers at the Portland WPC 2016 for a coffee chat??
Sounds great!
Allison,
Ever since I met you I have thought of you as a HERO.
In my book, you personify a HERO.
Someone who has gone through what you have but still wears one of the largest smiles that I have ever seen AND someone who just by being lights up a room whenever she is present should definitely qualify as being a HERO.
I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving. Please give my best wishes to your family as well.
Take care.
I will take it! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
First, congratulations on a well deserved honor!! I am very happy for you and am glad that you’ve been recognized for your many contributions to the PD community. You’re certainly a hero in my opinion so wear your cape and ,mask proudly.
Thank you John. I hope it comes in red!
There’s no place like home, there’s no place like h….. there’s no p……… BOING!!!! You’re back. We are glad to have you back safe and sound. Congrats hero!
I clicked my heels twice!
So glad dad got to go with you and happy that you didn’t trip in those glittery shoes and your dress go up over your head.
Thanks Mom, wish you could have gone, but then you probably would have stolen my date!
That’s awesome! Congratulations!
Thank you Mary!
This was my first reading in the morning. Good start for the day. I love your sense of humor, your style full of details. You are also “a hero of words”! [“sanojen sankari” in finnish]
Thank you!