This month, we are spotlighting Gordon Blyth. Gordon grew up in Scotland and moved to the US in 1988. He moved to New York City for a two-year job at a private girl school but ended up staying there for 33 years. Gordon taught chemistry and math and was the director of technology. After retirement, he moved to Saratoga where he now resides.

Gordon’s diagnosis journey started when he moved to Saratoga. He first noticed his arm shaking a little when carrying anything under his arm. He went to his primary doctor who said it was an essential tremor. Gordon met with his primary every 4 months after to monitor it. One day, he noticed he was having trouble brushing his teeth. It was at this point where he was referred to Albany Med. Gordon remembered being asked questions about his sleep and dreams. He shared that his dreams are very active, frequently talking or shouting in his sleep. Gordon said his sleep is what confirmed that he has Parkinson’s.

His neurologist advised Gordon to exercise and work on his balance. One day, Gordon tried to sign up for Tai Chi at the YMCA, but the class was full. He shared his diagnosis with the employee helping him, who then promptly informed Gordon that they “have a whole program” for people with PD. Today, Gordon participates in several programs 6 days a week. Each day he goes to at least 2 exercise classes to stay active. What an inspiration! “If you would have asked me if that was possible when I first started, I would have said no. It took time” Gordon shared. At first, he didn’t want to go to an exercise class because he didn’t want to see how the disease progressed in some people. “Sometimes you have to ignore the voice in your head and just try.”

Gordon met Marie Thorne through the exercise classes. Marie previously was the Saratoga Support Group leader, but she was looking for someone to take over her role. Cue Gordon! He said he wasn’t sure what he was getting himself into, but he looked forward to helping build a community for others. “I see why a number of people who go to the exercise class don’t go to the support group - it is really about community, and you can find community anywhere. The most valuable part of this support group is community” Gordon shared. Gordon said having a community helps you realize the things that are happening to you are happening to other people.

Gordon’s advice is to not let Parkinson’s define you and to avoid overeducating yourself. “It’s good to know a bit about PD but you don’t want to know too much. Worry about it if it happens.”

Gordon shared that his lowest moment was when he was waiting in the neurologist office and knowing everyone there had something wrong with them and thinking “am I one of these people?” “And now I think, yeah, I am one of these people!”