When Greg Ritscher was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he and his wife, Phylis, had already been married for 32 years. Today, after 47 years of marriage, three daughters and five grandchildren, they have spent the last 15 years learning how to live with a disease that has changed much, but not everything.

Greg first suspected something was wrong at one of his daughter’s weddings. He entered a limo with some of the bridesmaids, and one mentioned how amazing the flowers smelled. “That’s funny,” he thought. “I don’t smell anything.”

Greg had also developed a small tremor in his hand. He searched his symptoms online: loss of smell and tremor. The word that appeared was Parkinson’s.

It took about six months to see a specialist, but Greg’s suspicion was confirmed. The doctor told him he had Parkinson’s and that he had it “bad.” Greg remembers being told he had 10–12 years to live and that the final two would be the hardest.

But Greg wasn’t ready to let a diagnosis write the rest of his story.

A strategist and consultant in the green industry, Greg approached Parkinson’s Disease much as he had approached challenges throughout his career: he built a plan. Together with Phylis, his doctors, and his care team, he began figuring out how to live well with the disease. Exercise became especially important.

Fifteen years later, Parkinson’s has taken a toll on his body. He has also experienced changes in his thinking and memory. But Greg is quick to point out what Parkinson’s hasn’t changed: Phylis’s love and devotion, his faith, and his desire to keep moving forward. “Your life is not over,” Greg says. “There’s still hope.”

That message is at the heart of what we believe at Parkinson’s Pointe. A Parkinson’s diagnosis changes life, but no one should have to navigate those changes alone. Through exercise, education, connection, and community, Parkinson’s Pointe surrounds individuals and families with people who understand the journey and are committed to helping them continue living full, meaningful lives.

Greg believes part of his calling is helping others understand that a Parkinson’s diagnosis does not have to mean giving up. His advice is simple: build your team. Find the specialists and doctors who can help, but just as importantly, surround yourself with family, friends and a community that will walk beside you.

Greg has helped build that kind of community at Parkinson’s Pointe, serving on our board for 6 years, since the beginning of our organization, and recently being named one of our honorary board chairs. His leadership and willingness to share his story continue to encourage others facing Parkinson’s to keep moving forward, one day and one victory at a time.

And that community is possible because of you. Your support gives people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners opportunities to move, connect, learn and find encouragement from others who understand so they never have to face Parkinson’s alone.