In this blog I will share my personal stories about having Parkinson’s (PD) and how it has changed me and challenged me.
Some of these stories are a result of a writing program, called “Cinema Therapy”. In the this program we explore and use Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey to help us express our feelings as we navigate through our changing world.
Each 16 week class of this program also uses a film as a theme to help us navigate the journey. The first group of blog posts are from using “The Shawshank Redemption” as a guide and mirror to breaking out of the Parkinson’s Prison.

The program is run by Robert Cochrane, PhD, CEO & Founder of http://www.yesandexercise.com. “Where storytelling and playing improvisation games improves the quality of life for people with, affected by, and serving the Parkinson’s community.”
This organization and Dr. Cochrane have been a lifeline! The improv and writing classes are great therapy and I have gained lasting connections to others with PD.

www.yesandexercise.com is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization. Donations go toward supporting and growing the outreach. Donations can also help provide scholarships for some people taking the writing classes.

DIRECT DONATION LINK

Thank you to Katrina for help creating this website.

Photos on this website are blogger’s personal photos and some photos are sourced from Pixabay copyright free image website.