Gary Blackwell’s Personal Journey with his Parkinson’s “Adventure” and Why Joining Team Fox for the LA Marathon Matters
Although I was only officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in early 2024 at 67, my tremors began long before that. I’ve had hand shaking for as long as I can remember. In school I earned good grades but always a “minus” in penmanship, as my writing was nearly unreadable. The best thing that ever happened was discovering WordPerfect in the early 80s, so I didn’t have to write anymore!
In my late 30s, during a meeting for a Loyola Marymount construction project, I noticed my hands shaking as I passed papers to a client. No one else noticed, but it reminded me of my grandparents, both of whom had bad tremors. A neurologist later diagnosed me with Essential Tremor (ET), a benign condition that can be worsened by caffeine. It took me years to switch to decaf tea, but it helped. I declined medication since my symptoms were manageable.
Three decades later, in September 2023, I began experiencing vertigo along with worsening tremors. The wake-up call came when I had a severe vertigo episode while driving my Tesla in heavy traffic and had to rely on adaptive driving. Thank you, Elon.
I saw a neurologist at UCLA who quietly watched my movements as I described my history. Afterward, he said, “It’s not essential tremor.” A chill went down my spine. He ordered a full day of tests at UCLA Westwood, including a DaT scan, which measures dopamine production and confirms Parkinson’s.
While waiting for results, I had my worst vertigo attack outside an In-N-Out near my house. I fell but wasn’t hurt; thanks, Dad, for teaching us how to fall safely. I told bystanders I had Parkinson’s, though I didn’t yet know for sure.
Three days later, UCLA’s portal notified me of my results. Sitting in my car, I read the report: “Test results indicate probable Parkinson’s or Lewy Body disease.” LEWY BODY?! I broke down in tears, terrified of that diagnosis- a brutal dementia that took Robin Williams and affects Bruce Willis. I thought of friends battling cancer, of Michael J. Fox, who’s lived with Parkinson’s for decades. If he could keep going, so could I. “F” Parkinson’s, and “F” Lewy Body for my long-time friend and client who’s fighting it.
A week later, my neurologist confirmed it was Parkinson’s, not Lewy Body. I was relieved. He started me on Carbidopa Levodopa and vitamin B supplements, encouraged my active lifestyle, and told me not to retire. “Keep your body and mind working,” he said. I joked that running three companies should cover it. He laughed and agreed. Worst news of the visit: decaf still has caffeine. Herbal tea it is!
With the Parkinson’s gun pointed at me, exercise became even more vital. I completed the LA Marathon in March 2024 (fast-walking, not running) and another once again this year. I also trekked to Everest Base Camp in October. These challenges help keep me in what’s known as the “honeymoon stage” of Parkinson’s.
I chose to share my diagnosis rather than hide it. Michael J. Fox did the same, and his honesty has helped so many. I hope my story helps others understand the disease and support the search for a cure.
Thanks to Michael J. Fox and his Foundation for their relentless research. Progress is being made every day, and I truly believe we’ll see breakthroughs soon. Parkinson’s affects nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 6 million people worldwide. We’ve taken many diseases off the “Medical Wheel of Misfortune,” so let’s take Parkinson’s off next.
Today, I feel great, and healthier than I have in years! The only complications I deal with are occasional dizzy spells that are very mild and not like the ones I had before my treatment started. The symptoms and complications from Parkinson’s are different for everyone. The rate of disease progression and severity also vary for everyone, but I’m grateful for where I am and determined to stay strong.
As part of this next chapter in my journey, EPI Construction has decided to take our efforts a step further. We’ll be participating in the 2026 LA Marathon as part of Team Fox, the grassroots fundraising arm of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, helping raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. As this cause is deeply personal to me, I hope you’ll support our team in reaching our $25,000 goal. Together, we can help bring an end to Parkinson’s and make a lasting difference for everyone living with this disease. Visit our Team Fox page here to make a difference: DONATE
Sincerely,
Gary B. Blackwell
