Cam Weaver tries to accept the things he has no control over and revel in his successes.

For instance, two weeks ago he went to play volleyball with his friends — something he has enjoyed for 25 years.

But he came to the realization that he will no longer be able to play.

“I fall down way too much. I had to give it up and that was kind of sad, but I manage to do most things. I built a house after I retired — the house we live in now. That took four years. It was a big project. It was fun and I’m proud of it.”

Since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nine years ago, Weaver has learned that focusing on his strengths instead of his weaknesses is an important key to living a full life.

The 62-year-old retired middle school teacher from Mount Vernon takes heart in his successes, which include hiking a 14,042-foot-high mountain last summer in California.

“It was a hard hike, but I made it and I was the first one back at the camp, actually.”

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder that has no known cause or cure, but it is treatable.

Symptoms include tremors, slowed movement, difficulty with balance and coordination and stiffness in arms and legs.

Weaver is a tall, thin man with gray hair and an intelligent demeanor that commands attention and respect. And he gets lots of it at Capital Area Parkinson’s Support Group, of which he is co-coordinator.

I met him Sunday at the group’s annual potluck luncheon at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Eustis Parkway in Waterville. I was invited by co-coordinator Debbie Roberge of Waterville, whose husband has Parkinson’s.

She wanted to encourage people with the disease — and their care partners — to attend the group, which meets at 2 p.m. the second Sunday of each month except on potluck days, when the meeting is at 1 p.m.

“I want more people to know there is help out there — and others who share what they are going through,” Roberge said.

The 30 or so people met in a warm and sunny room overlooking the North Street recreation fields. Those with Parkinson’s introduced themselves and said how long ago they were diagnosed. Their care partners, typically a spouse, son or daughter, also identified themselves.

In an upbeat and informal setting, they ate lunch and then broke into two groups — those with the disease and those who support them. They shared concerns, told stories, offered helpful hints, and most importantly, gave each other hope.

James Horner, 88, of Vassalboro, came with his wife, Barbara, son Stewart and daughter Peggy. Newly diagnosed, the elder Horner said this was only his second meeting and he was encouraged by the support.

“It’s so important to have the family help,” he said. “I’ve been married 63 years. There’s no way I could cope without my bride. She’s been super.”

Peggy Horner, of Columbia, Mo., said she was hoping to learn how to best support both her father and her mother, as she knows a care partner also needs loving attention.

“If I can understand what she’s going through, I might be able to support her a little bit more,” she said.

For Tim Itri, 46, of Hartland, and his wife, Toni, 49, the group is a godsend. They had been struggling with his Parkinson’s since he was diagnosed two years ago, but think he had it much longer than that.

“It’s very helpful and we find out new things every time we come,” Toni Itri said. “If we didn’t have this group to come to, we would be totally lost.”

Members develop a special bond that is invaluable, according to Cam Weaver:

“The support group is great for someone who has been newly diagnosed because they know they are not alone — that there is hope. Even if you have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, you can still carry on and be quite productive and happy.”

He said anyone wanting more information may call him at 293-2667 or Roberge at 872-5446.

Amy Calder has been a Morning Sentinel reporter 23 years. Her column appears here Saturdays. She may be reached at acalder@centralmaine.com.

Copy the Story Link