Sometimes we use the word “hero” too loosely. The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “HERO” as: ”A hero is traditionally defined as a person or main character admired for their exceptional courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Unlike classical figures driven by glory, modern heroes typically combat adversity through selfless acts for the common good.”
I heard the word used by many people while I was recovering from a truck/recumbent trike collision, happening on our cross-country trek across the famed Route 66 to the World Parkinson’s Congress 2026, and then arriving separately in Phoenix for the conference.
I am not a hero. I am just a guy with Parkinson’s, hit by a negligent, elderly driver during a ride with others having Parkinson’s. Luckily, I was spared by the grace of God from being killed when I was struck from behind by a truck doing 50+ mph. By the definition, the only outstanding achievement was surviving the accident. Since I was knocked unconscious during the impact, I don’t feel there was any “exceptional courage” or “noble quality” about it. For those reasons, I don’t feel the title of hero should apply.
The TRUE heroes are the people that saved my life. My teammates, holding me still, making sure I didn’t move and further injure myself after the collision. The paramedics, rushing me to the hospital, and the doctors and nurses making sure I would survive. And to my wife driving 6+ hours, non-stop, praying that she could be there to comfort me in my time of pain. These people deserve the title of “HERO” way before me.
I will however accept another term that I heard a lot during this time, “Inspirational”. Inspirational, to me is someone who is motivating and brings positive energy. During the 26 years of having PD, I have always tried to be motivational to others having PD, and to their families, so they know that even though this disease sucks, it doesn’t mean that we must quit fighting. What I have found is the young-onset Parkinson’s community is full of many inspirational people. Many of us inspire each other by showing how exercise slows the disease. Some others like to educate one another by posting about the latest in nutrition or the latest medical breakthroughs. All this positive energy, by my definition, is inspirational.
I had the fortunate opportunity to meet and collaborate with many inspirational people in Phoenix, at the WPC. There was such an uplifting vibe during the conference; it was infectious. If you were there, it was impossible not to meet at least a few of these outstanding individuals each day.
Having the opportunity to share my story with 4000+ people, after experiencing such a horrific event, was not only therapeutic for me but was also for those that heard about my PD journey and my experience getting to the conference.
The best and most inspirational moment was still having the opportunity to complete the ride with my Route 66 team, along with the West Coast and Utah teams, all joining as ONE united team at the conclusion of the ride. The tears of emotion running down our faces. The smiles of achieving such an amazing accomplishment very few people may ever experience. The unison of approximately 70 people crossing the finish-line together, THAT IS INSPIRATIONAL! Nothing less than a group of heroes and champions of Parkinson’s!