Elizabeth Rigley is a nurse, successful author on women's health. At age 68, she noticed a tremor in her leg that was getting worse. After consulting with her doctors, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Like many people with Parkinson’s, she initially tried to hide her symptoms until they became too visible to conceal. 

As a nurse with a science background Elizabeth had heard of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and was curious if it might help her. She had to advocate for herself to access the surgery, which she underwent at 73. 

“The surgery and recovery were challenging, but the results are magnificent,” Elizabeth shares. Now, she’s back to doing what she loves – walking, golfing, cycling, and even playing the piano. DBS has significantly improved her quality of life, although she still needs to manage non-motor symptoms. 

Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of staying informed and active. She advises, “Empower yourself with information and exercise! Even a daily walk helps.” Support groups and specialized resources like Parkinson Canada’s CareFinder have been crucial for her recovery and ongoing wellness. 

Elizabeth’s resurgence is a testament to both her strength, boldness, and the incredible advances in medical science that have helped her to thrive.