Ben Jackson was 28 years old when he received his Parkinson’s diagnosis. To say that this was devastating and life-changing at such a young age would be the understatement of the year. Married, with a young daughter, Ben has battled the disease for 8 years. Now 36, he is an active advocate for Parkinson’s research and awareness.
On the other end of the spectrum, Carl Wilhelm had just completed a long and fruitful career as an ordained minister, a missionary to Ecuador for 15 years, and more than 25 years as a Shepherding Pastor for Perimeter Church. Ten years ago, looking to retire and spend more time with his family, he also received the Parkinson’s diagnosis. His world changed overnight.
Listen in as both Carl and Ben share their stories – about how they went from grieving, and even anger, to acceptance, to active participation in using their experiences to help other families deal with their own diagnoses. These men have faced their own personal struggles to discover a new mission serving others in a way they never expected. Carl runs a Parkinson’s Support Group twice each month at J. Christopher’s in Duluth, and Ben is also an active member. To get more information, contact Carl via email at carlw@perimeter.org. To contact Ben directly, email him at bendjax@gmail.com.
We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show. Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for 20 years.