Meet Founder PAUL R. CLUFF

My Personal journey with parkinson’s started on April 2017, as most spring mornings with the sun beaming but within a few hours, my morning was darkened. It was three months before my 40th birthday and I received an early birthday surprise. Apparently, I needed to face a new challenge. That gift changed my life forever, some would say for the worst, but I am learning that it was for the best. When my Doctor said, "Paul, you have Parkinson's Disease," I broke down in tears and cried: "How can this be?" “I wasn’t even 40.” I had heard of Parkinson's, but related it to old people. My father--before he passed away from kidney failure-- had been diagnosed with Parkinson's, but he was 70 and he did not live long enough to show any of the debilitating effects. I grew up watching Family Ties, and knew that Michael J. Fox had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I did not make the connection that he was 29 when diagnosed until after my research. I now realize that Parkinson’s is not an old person's disease and it could happen to anyone.

In the previous years, I experienced slowness in my movements, specifically in my hands and my walk was rigid and off a bit. I knew something was wrong. The first sign showed during work while typing. My fingers ached and felt as though they were constantly trembling. My fingers did not work properly. In my mind - I told my fingers to move and they moved in slow motion. I visited numerous doctors: family practitioner, hand surgeon, pain management specialist, and a chiropractor. I endured hours of physical therapy. Finally, I visited an Orthopedic Surgeon who concluded that two of my cervical discs were bulging and pressing up against my nerves. With a sense of relief I was assured that we had found the cause and I opt to have surgery.

In November 2016, I had surgery on my neck; my surgeon replaced two of my cervical discs with artificial ones. I was hopeful that within months I would be pain free, and that my slowness with my hands and awkward walk would disappear. All I wanted was to feel normal again. My symptoms did not dissappear in one, two, or three months. Although not as severe, I wanted the pain to be gone forever. After months of convincing myself that something did not feel right, I went back to visit the Neurologist whom I had seen in July 2016. During this visit she had prescribed "levodopa carbidopa" to test how my body would react to the medicine. I must admit that my fears led me to believe that I did not need medicine and that I could function on my own. It was not until March 2017, I faced reality and started again on “levodopa carbidopa.” Within a couple of days of taking the medicine I could type fast, my fingers were reacting to my brain, and the gait of my walk was back to normal. I explained to my doctor how my body reacted to the medicine. She then explained that the next step of the process would be to remove the medication to see if my symptoms would reoccur. Within a couple of days of being off the medication they all reoccured. From this experience I had the facts - that I have Parkinson’s. Now what do I do? Do I run away in fear or grab Parkinson’s by the horns and face it? Some may view this diagnosis as depressing, however, my reaction was the complete opposite. I now had answers and I knew that with medicine and exercise, I can fight this disease.

Three years have passed since I was diagnosed and my symptoms have dissipated. I know that I can not solely rely on medicine to fight the war on Parkinson's. I refuse to let this disease define or defeat me. I tout to my fellow Parkies that we may not win every battle, but with exercise we can keep our symptoms at bay. Researchers have found that “exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone, especially for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) exercise is not only healthy, but a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and daily living activities, along with a potential neuroprotective effect.” My research has also led me to realize that resources and access to trainers and gyms are not readily available. Not everyone can afford to participate in a Parkinson’s focused program. This information inspired my wife and I to create Cant Shake Me (CSM), a non-profit organization with the vision that every person with Parkinson’s should be able to live a full and productive life as possible through healthy living and exercise. This mission evolved into a dedicated focus on Young Onset when my friend and fellow Parkie Anna Grill brought the idea of the “Wellness Web” and joined the CSM team.

PAUL TODAY

I am able to do everything that I used to do. I still work full-time and am proud to serve my country. I continue to take every opportunity to bring an awareness about Parkinson’s and CSM. I have created a support group within my workforce so that others may participate in an active role to learn more about Parkinson’s. Collectively we encourage and support our loved ones and/or friends whom are fighting this disease. My promise from this day forward until the Lord calls me home - is to make it my life mission to bring more awareness of YOPD and ensure all those with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease have the resources they need to live a fulfilling life beyond their diagnosis. I ask you today, will you help me, help them?

With THANKS

I am blessed because my body today is reacting positively to my medicine coupled with exercise. But there are days when my body is going through what is called - an off day (medicine not working) and my body does not want to behave. At times my back gets stiff, my right calf tightens into a knot making it difficult for me to walk. On these days, I am grateful for the love and support from my family and friends.

To all my brother’s from another mother - you know who you are. But I need to specifically give special thanks to a dear friend who I have known since I was two years old, Nate. I have known you basically my whole life and you have been by my side through all my trials, tribulations and are here today. You came up with the name for this organization; Can’t Shake Me and has you to thank for its name!

Thank you to my other dear friends, who have supported me through my diagnosis and have seen me at my worst - physically. None of you judged me and are standing beside me today: Geof, Jeff, Rashaan, Mason, Aaron, etc. thank you, thank you!

To my dear mother who I affectionately call Mother Geese! Thank you Geese for your support and choosing me to be your son. To my father who sadly is not with us - thank you Dad for being a great role model for me. I miss you every day and I wish you were here to be part of this organization. I love you Dad!

To my siblings - thank you for the words of encouragement and positive energy to keep me moving forward.

To my children - you all give me the will to fight. You motivate me to never to give up! Always remember that I am proud of all of you and I love you dearly.

To my wife Tanya, life partner. Thank you for your patience and unconditional love. There is no better feeling to know that you are here with me to fight this disease. I recognize the emotional affect this disease has on you. Through all the pain, the off/good days, you remain positive and strong for the both of us. Together we are solid like a Rock!