When Diane Cook was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2008, she immediately took action. She read more than 20 books about PD, poured over research and information, consulted with specialists and ultimately connected with the CNI Movement Disorders Centers.
"Jumping in actively was my way of coping with the diagnosis," she explains. "I wanted to identify what I could do to slow the progression of the disease in order to stay as healthy and active as possible."
A year after her diagnosis, Diane was selected for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation's Clinical Research Learning Institute, which prepares patients to build PD awareness and encourage involvement in research. The experience left Diane determined to "make a difference," and since then she's participated in six clinical trials and helped involve about 60 people in PD research.
"The more I learned and discovered how much there was to be done, the more I realized Parkinson's had found me," she says.
With the help of Rajeev Kumar, MD, Medical Director of the CNI Movement Disorders Center, and Parkinson's Association of the Rockies, Diane co-founded the Parkinson's Support Group for the Recently Diagnosed in 2010. Emphasizing optimism, energy and action, the support group proved an immediate success and grew into a second group.
Diane didn't stop there. Determined to replicate her model of self-efficacy, she and a co-author presented an abstract at the Second World Parkinson's Congress in Glasgow, Scotland in 2010. The two then co-founded recentlydiagnosedwithpd.org, a go-to resource for PD information and support. Meanwhile, Diane continues to work with Dr. Kumar and the University of Denver's Cynthia McRae, PhD, on a model incorporating self-efficacy skills into the support groups' curriculum.
"Self-efficacy is one of the most powerful ideas I've come across for patients living with PD," she says. "Once the model is developed, I'd like to make it available to as many communities as possible."
Diane's family is also taking action. Her husband, Gary, continues to provide unwavering support and strength. In 2009, her children, Christian and Lauren, established ProjectSpark Foundation to raise funds for PD research, support services, education and patient assistance.
Diane's message to patients is simple: "Stay positive, be involved, exercise, take advantage of the gift of the present, and experience the rewards when you contribute to research or help others with PD."
Watch Diane!
Established in 1999, the Colorado Neurological Institute Cindy Acree Hope Awards Celebration is named for Cindy Acree, who underwent brain surgery for epilepsy, suffered a stroke, exhibited tenacity and courage throughout her recovery and continues to this day to encourage the community to learn about neurological conditions. The celebration is also named for Cindy's daughter, Hope.
Past Movement Disorders Center Hope Award Recipients:
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When Diane Cook was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2008, she immediately took action. She read more than 20 books about PD, poured over research and information, consulted with specialists and ultimately connected with the CNI Movement Disorders Centers.