It’s not often that I don’t have any words to express how I am feeling. I have lost a close friend. Her name was Sharon. I called her Shar-Bear. She called me Amazing Allison, but truthfully, she was the amazing one. I met her at the Parkinson’s Long Beach Marathon over 10 years ago. She and her husband, also known as Jer-Bear, were walking with my family. We hit it off immediately and even went out to dinner after the marathon.
The First Parkie I Ever Met
Shar-Bear was the first Parkie I had ever met after getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I learned so much from her about giving to others, getting involved in the community, and even attending my PD fitness classes with her husband when I first started teaching. I remember her saying to me, with tears in her eyes, that she felt guilty that she had a relatively stable version of Parkinson’s while she saw someone like me, so young, getting diagnosed. That’s only one example of why she was amazing. She felt guilty and was concerned that I had PD, yet, she had the same diagnosis.
Shar-Bear was always available if I needed her. I was a guest speaker in Las Vegas, and guess who flew in to be a smiling face in the audience? When I was a blogger, speaker, and ambassador for the World Parkinson’s Congress in Portland, you guessed it. She made sure I had enough sweets to get through my long days at the conference… a true friend.
Shar-Bear was a faithful member of my wolfpack and was always checking in on me when I had medical setbacks. She would actually get mad at me when I didn’t call her when I had unexpected hospital visits. I learned right quick to make sure my Mom and Dad kept her and Jer-Bear up to speed with my health challenges. Shar-bear passed away last week and although she didn’t die from Parkinson’s disease, she died with it.
I hurts to lose such a huge part of my Wolfpack, I just hope that I have lived up to my name Amazing Allison. She was a true friend and you only get a few of those in a lifetime, if you’re lucky. If you are blessed to have someone special in your life like Shar-Bear, cherish those memories, because you never know when they might be the last. Rest in peace, my friend… you’ve earned it.
Thanks for this! So helpful . Just lost a close friend, there is nothing like a close, close friend who has PD also! I so admired her strength and tenacity and always hope! Thanks for your spreading the words of comfort to all of us!. May they return to you with hugs and hope!
Amazing Allison, you indeed have been living up to your name.
I am sure Sharon would be proud of you as anyone who has read your blogs.
I am sorry for your loss, she must have been a special person.
Her memory will keep on living in all the people who have loved her.
May she rest in peace.
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Allison, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I met Sharon when we were assigned as Buddy Partners at WPC Portland. I remember her as kind, funny and on-the-go. A brace on her leg didn’t stop her! Please send my sincere condolences to her family.
🌟
Hi Alison,
Your words are so touching, and I am so so sorry for your loss of your amazing friend. I am so sorry I pray for her family and you as well.
Allison, what a beautiful tribute. Thank you so much. Sharon loved and admired you, as do I. She was a special person. We are all better for having known her.
Jer-Bear, I’m happy to her you liked my post. It was hard to write but fun to look back at the memories. ❤️
You did a great job! Thank you again.❤️
Your words make it obvious what a wonderful impact Sharon had on the world. Her impact continues on through you every day.
Sending hugs.
So sorry for your loss . I’m newly diagnosed one year now. How do I find out about events like the marathon and World Parkinson Conference
Susie,
Just look online. There’s lots of events depending on where you live. As for World Parkinson’s Congress their website is wpc2022.org
For a support group closest to you, contact APDA (American Parkinson Disease Assn). You will find that these are the warriors you have been seeking! at 800 223 2732. Socializing, sharing and learning from the group is something eve4ry Parkie needs.
Thank you Annie!
Allison,
I am so sorry to hear this awful news. May your beautiful memories of your dear friend be a blessing. 💜
Your example touches me deeply. I have a PD friend who is my brother in our struggles. Sadly, he slipping away from us. Thank you for deepening my affection for all of us who fight the struggle of PD. Soul hugs!
Sorry for your loss Allison. I hope the memory of your dear friend provides you with some comfort during this difficult time.
Very sad to hear this, Allison
Hal
She will never be gone in your heart.
So sorry Allison! I lost my FFWPD a little over a year ago. You are a strong woman and awesome advocate. I’m sure Sharon will be with you and supporting you in all of your future endeavors with PD. Thanks for all you do.
Allison, your sharing is filled with courage, respect and caring; a fitting tribute to Shar-Bear. People in our respective Wolfpack’s are special and unique and can never be replaced, and we should never try to replace them. Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts, and you experienced this wonderful gift with Shar-Bear. I have heard it said that “Friendship is like a rainbow between two hearts”; know that your rainbow with Shar-Bear will never fade. You may never know the number of lives that you, Amazing Allison, have positively touched, but I can tell you one – ME. God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Sharon was instrumental in creating PEP4U which, six years later, offers many expertly led free exercise sessios along with educational presentations on all things Parkinson’s. Literally 100’s of people have been affected – what a terrific legacy.
Sharon was my first friend with Parkinson’s. She was a dynamo and was well known for her terrific talents in fundraising. She will be missed. May she Rest In Peace
You are definetly living up to the nickname “amazing Allison” I look forward to your blogs to pick me up and keep me going. I live in rural nebraska not a lot of us out here, and if so no one talks about it. I am so sorry for your loss that has to be difficult losong a friend, Mentor, and Cheeleader all in one.
Curtis,
Thank you for reading my blog. It makes my day knowing that my words have reached people all over the world.
So sorry to hear about Sharon. I only met her that once when we went to lunch with her but she left a lasting impression of courage on me.
Rest In Peace Sharon.
YOU ARE MISSED!!
So sorry for your loss, and her husband’s. She sounds like a wonderful friend. I’m sure you gave as well as you got.
Sharon’s life made a difference. We celebrate her.