Rande Probst has chosen one of the most befitting user names I know of to identify herself online.  Her warm personality is like a ray of ‘ sunshine’, as she is known as at Brain Talk Communities.  Diagnosed two years ago at age 50, with symptoms since age 49, Rande doesn’t let PD get in her way.  She is employed as a flight attendant, has a business, and has decided to fill her waking hours with activity that she may not be able to do “ later on down that (PD) road.” 

 Rande enjoys being creative, has written short stories, and would love to write a self- help book for women that she would title, “PD and Pantyhose.” With the idea of providing newly diagnosed women with a guide for keeping sexuality and sensuality in their marriages (or relationships), Rande would share some useful tips.  “ It’s hard to feel pretty with this disease if you are not careful,” Rande cautions.  “One rule is to try not to keep any PD meds visible in the bedroom,” she suggests, and then laughingly advises,  “and do take down your picture of MJF.”  As many of us have discovered, Rande feels that having PD has made her keenly aware of the other side of her brain..... the side with the artistic flare that she was too afraid  or didn’t have time to release. 

Flying with PD is a challenge for Rande.  Fatigue and awkward movements are some of the many obstacles that make her job less of a “walk in the park” at American Airlines after more than 30 years of employment.  Yet, Rande feels that PD has altered her life in many ways and that most, if not all, are for the better.  She isn’t happy about her diagnosis, but neither is she in denial, and continues to view her life as moving onward and upward. She takes COQ10 and NADH, both recommended by her father, who she interestingly describes as a “born again hippie....herb taking, peace loving, alternative medicine seeker, open minded, organic produce buyer, and last but not least (in what appears to be the ultimate contradiction to this interviewer) a retired Air Force Col.  His present way of thinking reminds Rande of herself in 1968. Rande does, however, hope to be accepted in the GM1 study, and will be informed about her evaluations by August 10^th. 

As you can see, Rande doesn’t dwell on unpleasantness, and as a habit looks for the positive, productive path in life’s situations.  She has done almost everything she wanted to do and the list is impressive.  Besides being a flight attendant, she has taught new hires at the Flight Academy, modeled, acted, done TV commercials, married, given birth, traveled, volunteered in many groups, started a business and someday hopes to add to the list:  “HAD a degenerative brain disease!”

Rande concludes that “all in all LIFE IS GOOD!” 

See what I mean by warm as a ray of ‘sunshine’?