“Give a Girl the Right Shoes & She CAN Conquer the World!”
~Marilyn Monroe
I have battled thyroid cancer, multiple melanomas, and migraines my entire life. 15 years ago I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and last but not least Lupus followed a few years later to complete the picture! Yet, despite having survived radiation and multiple skin mutilations to heal my melanomas I continue to believe that beauty is within a person’s soul. Beauty is in a radiant smile or a kind act towards others. Therefore, this site is to show all PD women how to dance and enjoy their life to the fullest while enhancing their inner beauty with a well-tailored dress or outfit that would make any woman feel ready to conquer any occasion despite living with a progressive neurological disease -Parkinson’s disease (or in my case not just PD but 3 other major chronic illnesses).
My MISSION is to offer moral support, encouragement, fashion tips, career and family advice, as well as offer my extensive knowledge and experience as patient, caregiver and Parkinson’s specialist as a road map to navigating PD; while creating a lasting bond among all women who have Parkinson’s Disease.
NOTE: The intent of this site is not to prescribe medical advice about the diagnosis, treatment or other medical aspects of Parkinson’s Disease to my readers with Parkinson’s Disease; rather the goal is to inform, while providing news, support and encouragement for women living and caring for those with this condition.
You can listen to My journey with Parkinson’s….https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/maria-de-leon-and-laurie-rogers/ (this will be archived in National Library of Congress as well as in the largest collection of Hispanic and Latino stories at the Benson Library at University of Texas – Austin.
“Parkinson’s Diva: A women’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease,” written to “show PD who is boss!” with lipstick in hand, a lot of inner sparkle and Diva attitude!
This book with over 10,000 copies sold has started a revolution in women and PD around the globe. for first time we have a international women project focusing on the issues exposed in this book such as pregnancy and PD, hormonal stage and PD, marriage, work and social responsibilities including raising children and pursuing a career while living with PD.
http://Www.thewordverve.com/shop/parkinsons-diva/
My second book in Spanish is Now available Https://thewordverve.com/shop/viviendo-mas-alla-del-parkinsons/
Title: “Viviendo mas alla del parkinson: explorando las posibilidades.” (English ” Living Beyond Parkinson’s : Exploring the posibilities.”)
“Parkinson’s Diva : Hello Possibilities! Journal for everyday life with Parkinson’s” is my third book ..
All 3 books can be purchased on Amazon or Barnes & Noble as well as link above at the wordverve
You can also follow me:
https://www.defeatparkinsons.com
https://www.facebook.com/defeatparkinsons101/
https://www.instagram.com/@drmariade
https://www.twitter.com/@DrmariaDe
Parkinsons Diva 
You are inspirational. I am newly diagnosed and functioning pretty well but my biggest worry is staying ok for my handicapped Cerebral Palsy intellectually disabled son (autistic traits and non verbal) who I am his whole world for. He is 30 and in a Group Home and only showed he knew me when he was about 14. I am his strongest advocate but I am finding it harder to have him home.
You have an amazing faith. I used to have a strong religious faith but it seems to have gone.
Your PD is so much worse than mine but I sometimes can’t lift my spirits mainly because I am worried about my disabled, wonderful young man/son. I will try to get inspiration from reading your posts
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oh sweet Elizabeth.. you are so kind to think I am an inspiration but truly I am only able to make it because of God. trust me my faith had begun to wane but having Parkinson’s has brought me back closer to him- realizing that in our weakness He is Strong and able. I cant imagine your struggles with Parkinson’s and having a child with CP. I can only speak from the experience’s I had with taking care of such patients and their families – I can imagine the anguish you must feel. I will continue to pray for strength, wisdom and healing so that you may continue to tend to his needs. I know every day can be a challenge but also bring many joys and love. I highly recommend to biblical women’s studies – 1 by beth mooore – Esther ( you will see that you are made for such a time as this…) and 2. Ruth – remember she too had unbearable loss, experienced redeeming love and found a divine legacy as will you ( both of these you can do from home on your own time via computer – look for them on lifeway. best of luck
merry Christmas!
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