Sandra L. Steppig
To Cathyâ??s family,The last time I talked to Cathy was by phone after my DBS surgery. I had been up to visit her some months ago and was planning to make the drive up from Millstadt when the weather got nicer. When I attempted to call her phone today it was disconnected. I was worried. I was right. You see, we shared in common the diagnosis of Parkinsonâ??s Disease. We were paired together by the National Chapter of The American Parkinsonâ??s Association. It was a good match. We were both RNâ??s who loved their work, especially home care. We both worked for the HSHS system. We both were active in the St Louis Chapter APDA support groups. Well, I just want to tell you that Cathy was a very important part of my life the last 8 years or so. She was my support and my sounding board with the news of my diagnosis. She listened to me all through my parentsâ?? illness and their deaths just 11 months apart. She listened to me as I decided to quit work and go thru the process of applying for SSDI. She was always there listening to me and giving support as needed. We did not meet face to face often. Once she came down to Lebanon, Il and had lunch with me. Once we met in Springfield and went to a PD seminar. That was when she could still drive. Once I drove all by myself up to the assisted living facility she was residing in at the time. She could not believe I came all by myself! I watched her decline, but she took it gracefully. I hope I can do as well as she did. I have lots of emails from Cathy when she could still type and a few notes from her, even when it was difficult for her to write. I am still fighting my Parkinsonâ??s Disease. I exercise daily, take my meds, and I had that DBS surgery. I am also participating in Go! St. Louis in April. I am doing the one mile. Thatâ??s about all I can do. I will dedicate that walk to Cathy! She left her imprint on my life for sure!!!!Respectfully, Sandy Steppig Millstadt, IL