Ferdinand Kara

My name is Ferdinand Kara and I am 79 years old. I have had Parkinson’s disease for 13 years now. I was diagnosed with it when I was 69 years old.

At that time, research on Parkinson’s disease was taking place in Bratislava, and I was accepted into the study. Shortly afterward, I had a neurostimulator implanted, which I still use today.

At the beginning, it was very difficult for me to come to terms with the disease. I was a very busy person — I worked a lot and traveled frequently for business. Even after the surgery, I continued working for about five more years, but my condition gradually worsened.

The biggest problems started with my legs. They would often “freeze,” and walking became increasingly difficult. Gradually, I began using a walking aid.

After thirteen years, dementia is also slowly beginning to appear.

Despite that, I keep trying and I do not give up. I exercise, go for walks, and my family continues to support me through it all.

Life is slowly getting shorter and the years keep adding up. But I still believe that things can get better.