My story

The story of the author

My name is Blanka Zdenkova, I am from Prague - Czech Republic and I would like to share my life story with you. It is a support for people who struggle with illness every day like me.

At the age of 37, doctors diagnosed me with Parkinson's disease. I was devastated.

WITH A MASK

The first smaller picture "ME and ME" is dedicated to the memory of year 2013. I was still hiding the fact that I was suffering from Parkinson's disease and was facing a very difficult brain surgery. As a layman, I didn't believe I would survive the surgery, so I organized this event for my family and friends to say a fond farewell to everyone. No one knew. I kept it a secret for years because of my young daughter. Even then, I loved the musical Phantom of the Opera and decided to approach its main protagonist in Czechia, Radim Schwab, to see if he would perform at the opening. Radim accepted the invitation and fulfilled my great wish.

A week later, I had the brain surgery. It brought me back to life. Before the surgery, I was able to function for about three hours a day. More than that, and my legs and arms wouldn't listen to me. After the surgery, I got up and functioned. It was an actual miracle. I humbly apologize to the doctors for doubting the success of the operation. I thank them every day in my heart. To the great specialists from the hospitals "Na Homolce" and "VFN Kateřinská". To the wonderful nurses who helped me during the operation, held my hand, massaged my feet and smiled. Because the operation is performed with full consciousness.

After my story was published in the media, on TV and in newspapers, people of younger age started to contact me, and I tried to give them a helping hand. For I know myself what a struggle it is to accept that this diagnosis is terminal.

I have accepted it after ten years, but I WON'T BACK DOWN EVER!

WITHOUT A MASK (the second picture -DÉMONNES- will live with me all my life)

No mask anymore. After ten years, I can talk about the fact that I suffer from Parkinson's disease without much emotion. I try to spread awareness about the possibility of treatment by sharing my story. It is brain surgery - so-called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Although it does not cure the disease, it will slow its progress and improve the quality of life significantly. Unfortunately, many people and even doctors are unaware of this option.

How it will go on is in my stars, but I have re-evaluated my life and I don't waste time with stupid things. I live by motto "Carpe diem". I couldn't have done it without my beloved family, who had to accommodate me in everything, and my friends. To them I owe the biggest THANK YOU.