At 50 years old, María del Carmen Luis, a resident of Tenerife, received a Parkinson's diagnosis that, in her own words, has turned the disease into a “squatter” in her life. This condition has significantly impacted her professional career, daily activities, and future aspirations, leading her to a profound reflection on time and health.
“"When I turned 50, I didn't know what was coming, and that's why I published, with all the excitement in the world, a photo with my cake welcoming my half-century."
In her letter, María del Carmen details the months leading up to the diagnosis, when a series of symptoms, initially attributed to other causes, began to make sense. From absentmindedness and sadness to tremors and extreme fatigue, all were signs of the disease already manifesting in her body. The woman from Tenerife describes Parkinson's as a “squatter” that has been trying to take over her body and mind.
With the disease as an unexpected companion, María del Carmen has been forced to re-evaluate her priorities. She has decided to “accelerate” all her future dreams, aware that health, strength, motivation, and memory might diminish over time. This new perspective encourages her to live more intensely and not to postpone her goals.
The diagnosis also presented a work dilemma for Luis, who was employed in a school cafeteria. Fearing the consequences, she tried to hide her illness for two years. However, the progression of symptoms made it impossible to keep secret, eventually affecting her performance. It was a colleague who, upon seeing her red tulip tattoo (a symbol of Parkinson's), understood her situation.
Although Parkinson's is commonly associated with older age, María del Carmen is not an isolated case. The Párkinson Tenerife organization indicates that more and more people are receiving the diagnosis during their working years or while raising children. Luis herself discovered her condition after attending a forum on the disease, where she recognized many of the symptoms in herself. Her doctor confirmed that the disease had started when she was 39.
After leaving her job out of responsibility, María del Carmen found support at Párkinson Tenerife. There, she discovered she was not a “rare species” and that many other young people shared her situation. The association has provided her with physiotherapy, speech therapy, and workshops that help slow the progression of the disease. Furthermore, she has found a passion in writing, which not only helps her maintain mobility but also process her emotions and remember symptoms.
The need for physical activity to maintain coordination and balance led her to join a carnival troupe, which is now her favorite pastime. Sharing experiences with other young people in the association has helped her overcome stigma and loneliness. Together, they have learned a valuable lesson: “We have to bring forward everything we want to do because perhaps tomorrow will be too late.”
