Pushing past Parkinson's

Photo by Zachary Kaufman

Helen Ramatowski, 68, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in early 2011. Then, in late 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her own health struggles, Ramatowski has devoted herself to raising money for the nonprofit Parkinson's Resources of Oregon, which also serves Southwest Washington.

A neurologist diagnosed Vancouver resident Helen Ramatowski with Parkinson's disease in January 2011. She had diagnosed herself months earlier.

Parkinson's Resources of Oregon

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After watching both her mother and brother live with the disease, Ramatowski knew her symptoms were signs of what was to come.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disease that leads to tremors and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination. There is no cure.

About 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson's disease; an estimated 25,000 people with the disease live in Oregon and Southwest Washington, according to Parkinson's Resources of Oregon.

Ramatowski's first sign came in early 2010 when she noticed what appeared to be a tremor in her left leg. Her physician made a note to keep an eye on her leg.

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Pushing past Parkinson's