Debbie DeBold

When Debbie DeBold, a hospital emergency room secretary, learned she had Parkinson's disease, she wanted to do something to help other working people who were also afflicted.

"I thought it was an old person's disease, and I didn't think that 49 was that old," DeBold said."I tried to look at the positive side, but the only thing I could think of was, 'Thank God it wasn't Alzheimer's.'"

DeBold, of Shorewood, did some research and found there was no support group within a 15-mile radius of Joliet, where she works at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, for people with Parkinson's diesease who work during the day.

So she put one together.
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DeBold first experienced symptoms of Parkinson's disease three years ago when a co-worker told her she was dragging one foot.Concerned but not alarmed, DeBold made a mental note to ask her doctor.She was stunned when the prognosis was Parkinson's disease, a chronic, progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system characterized by shaking, poor balance, difficulty walking and rigidity.
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Coming to terms with the disease has been a process for DeBold, who is still raising her family.Although her husband, Clarence, and mother, Jeanette Garrison of Joliet, are very supportive and helpful, DeBold said she misses the days of being an active wife and mother.

"My daughter is in Minooka High School's marching band, and I didn't get to march with the kids like I did last year," said DeBold."I had the best time with my daughter in band.It was kind of like going to high school all over again."

However, DeBold is still involved with the band in other ways, such as coordinating its annual craft fair, and she is the secretary for her son's band at Minooka Junior High School.She's also on the parks and recreation committee for the Shorewood Village Board.