“You can’t put Parkinson’s behind you. It’s in your face all the time. You can choose what you want to do with it, and how you want to live with it. I chose family and happiness.”
Meet Mira Rocha.
Mira was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in November 2017, after having previously gone through breast cancer in 2015. She completed all of her cancer treatment and believed she had moved past that chapter of her life, ready to focus on family, recovery, and enjoying everyday moments again. However, she continued to experience physical challenges, including balance issues and difficulty performing simple coordinated tasks that affected her independence.
After ongoing symptoms, she was referred to a neurologist, and within minutes her life changed again with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Mira describes the realization that Parkinson’s cannot be put behind you, but instead must be faced and lived with every day, with each person choosing how they will respond to it.
Despite the difficulties, Mira has chosen to focus on family, happiness, and creating positive memories. One of the hardest parts of her journey has been accepting the need for her children to support her when she could no longer manage certain things on her own, while also leaning on the strength and presence of her husband throughout her journey.
Mira has found support and encouragement through Parkinson’s Society support groups, as well as a boxing program called Rock Steady Boxing, which has helped improve her mobility, strength, and confidence while also providing a sense of community and connection with others living with Parkinson’s.
Her story reflects resilience, perspective, and the choice to focus on what brings meaning and joy. She continues to share her experience in the hope that it may help others feel supported and understood.
Watch Mira’s story below.