Peter Adamkovič

My story with Parkinson’s disease began 12 years ago.

Once upon a time—beyond the Váh River and across a road bridge that is always clogged with cars—there lived a fairly charming guy. Like every day, he decided to go to the institution called work.

I liked my job. I enjoyed it. But on that particular day, while working, I noticed that my left leg somehow stopped cooperating. When I got home, my left arm wouldn’t obey either. After a week of hospitalization in Liptovský Mikuláš, they “introduced” me to my (now very well-known) companion—Parkinson. They told me he would accompany me for the rest of my life: sometimes as a burden and a problem, and if I respected him, occasionally even as something positive. They were right.

During that time, I had to leave a good job, underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS), got divorced… and I have an amazing son. When I was going in for the operation, I asked him to cut my hair like the singer from The Prodigy—just for fun. And that’s exactly what happened. It’s also proof that there’s no need to fear the unknown.

The operation went well. I found out that there really is something in my head—and even the doctor confirmed that something is in there. 😊

However, Parkinson has also shown me another side: I have met many wonderful, kind people who fight their own “avatar” every day.

And a year ago, my “friend Parki” prepared another surprise for me—it led me to, together with my friend Janka, help found the non-profit organization ProParkinson SK. Today, our association has around 80 members. It is my big family—and I am proud that, together with Janka, I can help take care of it.

For all the beautiful moments I experience with them… thank you.

P.S.: Adko, I love you.