Parkinson’s Patient Regains Vitality and Energy to Care for Grandchildren

Since teaming up with Dr. Eckel and attending the Brain Camp, I am better than I was even ten years ago — and I only went in October, and now it’s almost Valentine’s Day. The change has been incredible. Just yesterday morning, I got up at six o’clock without any trouble. My six-year-old autistic grandson had spent the night with me, and I had the privilege of taking him to first grade. We walked up a big snowy, icy hill like they do every day, and I carried his school bag with his little computer inside — no problem at all. After that, I washed the car, went to the YMCA, did 40 minutes of water walking, sat in the sauna for 20 minutes, then went grocery shopping and brought everything home. Five years ago, I could never have done that. It has truly changed my life. My name is Leandra, but I go by Lee. I live just north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I’m a retired registered nurse with experience in many areas of healthcare. Before I saw Dr. Eckel, I was slowing down to almost a complete stop — zero energy, no socialization, and I felt like I had lost my personality. I didn’t want to participate in anything. I developed a tremor in my right hand, and it felt like I had lost myself. Around that time, three years ago this weekend, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Before finding Dr. Eckel, I tried doing more walking because I was told, “more movement, more movement,” but all it did was exhaust me. I lived on a farm then, and even simple daily tasks were overwhelming. Instead of eating or continuing my day, I’d have to sit down and nap for an hour just to get through it. The true breaking point came because of my grandchildren — one six and one three, beautiful, lively gifts from God. Their parents wanted them to spend a weekend with Nana, and it was more than I could bear. I wanted so badly to be the kind of grandmother they deserved, but I simply couldn’t. That broke me, and it pushed me to search for help, which led me to Dr. Eckel. At Brain Camp, I was surprised by how attentive everyone was to every detail. Each staff member had their own special role, and every one of them taught me something meaningful. The nurses were incredibly passionate and full of life — and I realized I wanted that vitality back. And now, I have it. As someone experienced in quality care delivery, I can confidently say the staff at Brain Camp are exceptional. They truly see you, greet you warmly, and make you feel known and valued. I wholeheartedly recommend Brain Camp, and I already have to others in our Parkinson’s community. It is encompassing and nourishing, filled with skilled professionals who genuinely want you to improve and become your best — whatever that looks like for you. Every day you’re there, you feel a level of love and support that you don’t experience anywhere else.