Michelle’s Story: Living Well with Parkinson’s

When Michelle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 43, she never imagined that a decade later, she would be navigating a healthcare system strained by the pandemic. She recalls being accustomed to seeing a neurologist every three to four months, which was critical to her care. Then, suddenly, Michelle was being told that level of care was a thing of the past. Determined to maintain her health, Michelle found Synapticure through an email from the Michael J. Fox Foundation. “I called the next day, and I’ve been a patient ever since.”

Synapticure’s virtual model offered Michelle a level of access and expertise that exceeded her expectations. “The first time I called, they apologized for not being able to fit me in that week,” she said, feeling both shocked and relieved after experiencing months-long wait times elsewhere.

Beyond accessibility, she found a team that truly listened. “Dr. Liz Ferluga is one of the best neurologists I've ever seen. She's accessible, she cares. She's kind and she listens. When I told her I had to be at my son’s college graduation, she adjusted my treatment plan to make sure I could be there. And I was. It was her expertise and her willingness to partner with me that really got me there.”

Genetic testing was one of the most impactful aspects of Michelle’s care at Synapticure. “I didn’t know anything about genetic testing for Parkinson’s and it actually showed that I have a genetic mutation for young onset Parkinson’s.” This level of personalized care reassured Michelle that she was in the right hands. She was grateful for the insights the testing provided and hopeful for the future, saying, “The great hope with the genetic testing is that this will continue to inform my care as we go along, and I'll be able to get more targeted treatments and hopefully stay well, even longer.”

For those considering Synapticure, Michelle has one piece of advice: “Do the research. Ask a lot of questions to try to understand the ‘why’ of the treatment you’re being told to do. Find doctors who understand what's important to you, and will partner with you. That is what I have found at Synapticure. This is truly care of the highest level.”