Living Beyond the Diagnosis

Less than 2 years ago …

I know a lot of you have been wondering where I’ve been, and I apologize for not being totally forthright until now.

It all started in New York. At the Inman Connect conference in April of 2022. I woke up that morning feeling fine and boarded my flight to NYC, but by the end of the day, I was having a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or mini-stroke. My blood pressure was dangerously high, and I lost all memory of the day’s events.

I spent the next year seeing doctors and trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It was a very frustrating and stressful time, as I was constantly getting different diagnoses and treatments that didn’t seem to be working.

12 months later, in April of 2023, after a test called a DaTscan (Datscans are to help in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease), It was revealed that I had the markers of PD. It wasn’t until 3 months later, after a visit to Cedars Sinai hospital and the West Coast’s leading expert on Parkinson’s Disease, that the diagnosis was upgraded to Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare and rapidly progressive neurological condition.

I’m still learning to cope with my diagnosis, but I’m determined to live my life to the fullest. I’m grateful for the support of my SPECTACULAR wife, my family, and my amazing friends and I can’t help but be hopeful, as new treatments are being developed as we speak.

If you’re interested in learning more about MSA, please visit the Michael J. Fox Foundation website. They are doing incredible work to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, which includes MSA.

As if that were not enough, I received an email on July 30^th while still on Disability Leave, that “my services were no longer required”. So, when I slay this Dragon, I may be knocking on your door. Be my version of Tom Bodett, and “Leave the light on for me”, won’t you? 😉

This Blog will be my way of keeping you, and everyone, updated on my journey.