{"id":197,"date":"2013-04-01T12:07:08","date_gmt":"2013-04-01T16:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parkinson.netfirms.com\/epp_e\/?p=197"},"modified":"2013-04-01T12:07:08","modified_gmt":"2013-04-01T16:07:08","slug":"fighting-parkinsons-as-a-family-the-kiefers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archiveparkinson.thedev.ca\/fr\/fighting-parkinsons-as-a-family-the-kiefers\/","title":{"rendered":"Fighting Parkinson\u2019s as a Family: The Kiefers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"John

John and Wanda Kiefer, along with their son Drayton and their daughter Danica, manage John\u2019s Parkinson\u2019s as a family.<\/p><\/div>\n

When John Kiefer, a heavy duty mechanic from Saskatchewan, was diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s disease in 2009 at age 41 he wasn\u2019t caught off guard. John and his wife Wanda had suspected for some time that he had Parkinson\u2019s based on his mobility symptoms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was no real surprise,\u201d said John. \u201cI knew there was something wrong for quite a while. I had all kinds of balance issues and my hands were stiff.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2002 John suffered from a severe anaphylactic shock. Health care professionals mistakenly thought this could have been a catalyst for John\u2019s Young Onset Parkinson\u2019s disease. At the time of diagnosis, their son Drayton, the first of two children, was only one year old. The Kiefers knew from then on in that life was going to be different.<\/p>\n

Parkinson\u2019s and Everyday Life<\/b><\/p>\n

Since John\u2019s diagnosis the Kiefers have learned to adjust their lives around Parkinson\u2019s disease. Every member of the family has a role to fulfill.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone tries to do things to make life easier for me. My wife and kids have been a huge help. They help with everything,\u201d John explained. \u201cWe try to work together as best we can. You\u2019ve got to remember to thank your wife and family for all they do for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

John\u2019s working life with his two brothers has also helped center the family. The Kiefer brothers run a heavy mechanic shop that services rigs, tractors and large equipment with John as a partner since 1997. While his duties aren\u2019t as hands-on as they used to be John still plays an integral role in the family business.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he\u2019s in partnership with his two brothers he\u2019s still able to go into work. If he was working for a big company I\u2019m sure they would have forced him to go on disability,\u201d said Wanda.<\/p>\n

The Kiefers agree that one of the keys to a healthy life with Parkinson\u2019s is to start with a strong family dynamic at home. Open and honest communication among the members of their family goes a long way in day-to-day life.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur relationship is stronger. He knows that I\u2019m there for him no matter what. John is so grateful for everything I do. He tells me how much he appreciates me,\u201d Wanda said.<\/p>\n

The Kiefers believe that others can learn from their experiences.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s normal to be scared but don\u2019t let that stop you. Carry on. Modify your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gotta try and stay positive and you can\u2019t give up,\u201d John added.<\/p>\n

Wanda\u2019s Caregiver Tips<\/b><\/p>\n