This is a story of perseverance and hope.
Parkinson’s disease is an often-misunderstood disease, affecting people in many more ways than the visible tremors with which it has become synonymous. With nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed with Parkinson’s yearly, it is a disease that will likely affect the majority of people in one way or another. Parkinson’s still doesn’t have a known cause or cure, and it doesn’t discriminate. This goal of this film is to help push society towards a greater awareness for the disease and the people that live with it.
Having each lived with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, North Florida residents Greg Ritscher and Sabrina Molina undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery; each of them weighing the potential risks of the procedure against the hope of a life less impacted by the disease. Although it is a part of a holistic approach to treatment of the disease, DBS is often seen as a “last ditch effort” in Parkinson’s Disease treatment by those going through the procedure. At the same time, Jen, a friend to both Greg and Sabrina and a local advocate, works to raise awareness for Parkinson’s through the First Coast Parkinson’s Run in Jacksonville, FL. Having lost her mother to Parkinson’s, Jen has dedicated her life to education and outreach for the disease.
Jen Otero
A successful businesswoman in her own right, Jen knew very little about Parkinson’s Disease apart from the tremors which most people associate with the disease. After her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Jen educated herself on the condition and dedicated herself to raising awareness through founding the First Coast Parkinson’s Run, a 5K and 1-mile recreational run for both people with and without Parkinson’s. Since her mother's passing, Jen has tirelessly worked in the community to help those affected by the disease get faster care and education.
Greg Ritscher
A “warlord of commerce,” Greg was a successful business consultant for many years and is currently a motivational speaker and author, translating his journey with Parkinson’s to overcoming everyday struggles in your life. In the film we meet Greg and his wife, Phylis, roughly twelve years after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease. Motivated by a strong desire to be there when his granddaughter walks down the aisle at her wedding, Greg is steadfastly determined to hold the disease at bay as long as he can; also recognizing the futility of fighting an incurable, progressive disease.
Sabrina Molina
A former marathon runner and counselor, Sabrina was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over a decade ago. The film meets her at the 2022 First Coast Parkinson’s Run, where she is able to complete the 5K run with her husband, Gil, who was also a marathon runner. Sabrina is characterized by a dark sense of humor and realistic outlook on the future of her life with Parkinson’s. Having pushed off DBS for several months due to fears of it being the only and last treatment available to her, Sabrina decides to undergo the procedure in 2023.
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