April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
A red tulip is used as a symbol of hope and strength, for those living with the disease.
It is also the theme of a small book, with a big heart.
“The Little Parkinson’s Book of Positivity and Joy” was written by Westport Weston Family YMCA member Kathleen Featherston. It was featured on the Michael J. Fox Foundation website, and will be showcased next month at the World Parkinson’s Congress in Phoenix.
It describes her deeply personal, inspiring journey through life with Parkinson’s. It’s one not of despair, but resilience, grace, and a profound appreciation for life’s simplest blessings.
Kathleen Featherston, with her book.
Kathleen’s diagnosis in 2021 changed her life. But instead of retreating into fear and uncertainty, she made a choice to look up.
She laced up boxing gloves — literally — at the Westport Y. Their Parkinson’s program includes boxing, dance and speech classes.
Kathleen discovered that physical movement could be both medicine and metaphor. Each punch thrown, each round survived, was a declaration: “I am still here. I am still fighting. I am still full of joy.”
Kathleen Featherston fights against Parkinson’s.
From that spirit, her book was born. It is not a clinical guide or a sympathy card. Instead, it is “a companion — a tiny book full of enormous light, for anyone who needs a reminder that joy waits in the small moments.”
“The Little Parkinson’s Book of Positivity and Joy” can be purchased on Kathleen’s website, Amazon, The Post (1799 Post Road East) and CoCo & Company in Southport.
All proceeds go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Parkinson’s Body and Mind — a local non-profit that has partnered with the Westport Y’s Parkinson’s program.
The Y and Parkinson’s Body & Mind are teaming up once again for the Michael J. Fox Unity Walk in New York, April 25.
Contact the Y to join the walk, and raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. (Hat tip: Bob Levy)
(“06880” regularly highlights Westporters doing remarkable things. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Kathleen, you have been a shining light for all who struggle with Parkinson’s (and one stroke patient – me)!
I remember Kathleen so well when I worked as Membership Supervisor at the Y. I left 2 years ago, moving to NYC…but I will never forget how beautiful, enthusiastic and sparkling she was whenever she would come to classes and hold court in the lobby with cookies, laughs, and conversation. I wish Kathleen the BEST of luck with her book and her wonderful life! Midge Deverin
Kathleen is an unsung hero in our community. She provides strength to others who face Parkinson’s by the dozens, and will light up your day and life in her unofficial role as ambassador-cheerleader-friend-to-all at the Y. Her book is similarly a gift (and makes a great gift!) I’m grateful I met her on Day 1 of joining the Y!