“I might have Parkinson’s disease, but it sure doesn’t have to control me.”
The journey Clayton Mogle took to be able to say those words was a tough but encouraging one. Three years ago, a doctor suspected Clayton had Parkinson’s disease, but Clayton was in denial and refused to take the tests that would confirm the diagnosis. It took two years of a worsening lifestyle and symptoms that made Clayton finally take the tests and receive his official diagnosis in January 2023.
“I just couldn’t believe this could be happening to me,” said Clayton.
A couple of months later, On With Life would be hosting an eight-week “Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services” series in conjunction with the Iowa APDA chapter. Clayton was tempted to back out of going to the first session, but his wife would not let him. He attended and was hooked right away, and even signed up for the LSVT program at On With Life that same day.
Clayton’s experience at On With Life completely changed the trajectory of his life going forward. He could see improvements in his posture, movement and balance, and started to reintroduce his previous hobbies into his life such as listening to music and cooking. He even dug out his old pottery wheel so he could teach his grandson how to throw pottery.
“On With Life helped me get my life back,” said Clayton. “I no longer think my diagnosis is a dead end.”
Clayton was finally able to stop hiding his diagnosis from others. In 2023 he found the confidence to not only tell his family and friends, but to share his diagnosis with the world. He owns and wears a variety of custom shirts he has made with sayings such as “I have Parkinson’s disease and I’m still in charge of the script of my life.” He hopes that others who may be struggling with their diagnosis can find support through his own experience.