The PDI congratulates Greg VanCampen as our latest PDI Exercise Scholarship winner

"What a wonderful gift I’ve been given with a scholarship. I’ve been on this journey since 2011 after having DBS surgery at age 55. I’ve been married to my wife, Sherri for 47 years. I have a wonderful support system. Consisting of my Wife, three adult Son’s, their Spouses and eight grandchildren.

My career path was that of an EMT/Ultrasound Sonographer. I taught and performed all modalities of ultrasound with the exception of pediatrics. I was diagnosed with Essential Tremors in my early 20s and unofficially diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early 1997. I continued working as a Sonographer until 2011 when I had DBS surgery trying to gain more years working. Unfortunately, I had a stroke which affected my right side and speech. I developed a brain abscess, having to remove the leads and never getting to turn on the DBS. I spent eight months doing twice a day antibiotic therapy.

So, I have faced challenges. I was Officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s in late 2024. I have had a lot of therapy, both for my stroke rehabilitation, numerous back/neck surgeries, hip replacements. I went through The Big and Loud program at a major hospital downtown.

The first time I walked through the door at “Big Heart Center for Parkinson’s Wellness” I was using a walker and posey belt to keep me upright, my balance or lack there of caused numerous falls and hospital stays!  Big Heart has been my answer to prayer, the improvements that I have achieved in my gait, balance and coordination have been outstanding and I no longer need the use of a walker. When we walked through the doors that first day I knew I had found what I had been needing and searching for.  Their motto……

Run when you can, Walk if you have to, Crawl if you must, JUST NEVER GIVE UP!

I can truthfully say I am looking forward to living out that Motto!

Sincerely, Greg VanCampen"