Most people are aware of actor Michael J. Fox's battle with Parkinson's Disease, a neurological disorder that leads to loss of muscle control, impacting everyday activities including walking and speaking. Fox is afflicted with Young Onset Parkinson's, a condition that's less common than the disease seen in elderly patients.

The fact that the disorder is rare is little comfort to Sharon Standish, a working mother of two who lives in Marysville and was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's nearly two years ago.

"At first, I thought it was all in my head," said the 45-year-old woman. "My daughter began to ask, 'Mom, why can't you keep up?' and I realized that the movement problems I felt were becoming evident to others."

In early 2007, her doctor recommended that she try physical therapy. That spring she had an MRI and the neurologist started her on medication for her symptoms.

"The meds helped immensely," said Standish, "but I didn't know they were treating me for Parkinson's. When the drug therapy worked, my neurologist gave me the diagnosis."

The medication used to treat Parkinson's is a dopamine substitute that helps calm the brain and the shaky movements associated with the disease.

The pronouncement left Standish saddened but determined to make the best of her situation. A woman of strong faith, she focused on her job as a preschool teacher at Bethlehem Christian School while continuing to volunteer time at her church and helping to run the family's business, A Martial Arts Club on State Avenue.

But for the busy mother, the Parkinson's diagnosis was just the beginning. She began having painful extreme muscle contractions, first in the calf of her left leg and then spreading along her entire left side. Nearly a year after learning she had Parkinson's, she was diagnosed with Dystonia, a second neurological disorder.

"The muscle cramps were nearly unbearable," she remembered. "I thought my ankle would break because the muscles pulled my foot up so severely." When the disease affects her left shoulder, her elbow is pulled back into the middle of her spine.

In patients with Dystonia, the neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when not in use doesn't function properly. Opposing muscles often contract simultaneously, as if the are competing for control. The involuntary muscle contractions force the body into repetitive and often twisting movements as well as awkward, irregular positions.

Standish started a regimen of Botox injections that, although not pleasant, have helped control the symptoms. The compound, familiar for its cosmetic uses, relaxes the deep muscle tissues in Dystonia patients. Every three months, Standish must undergo up to 12 injections from a 6" needle strategically targeting shoulder and calf muscles.

Three years ago, the physically active woman suffered a heart attack brought on by severe sleep apnea. It's unclear if the heart problems triggered the neurological conditions, but Standish said genetic testing revealed she had the Parkinson's gene plus a mutated gene attached to it. She is the only person in her family to display symptoms of either disease.

"I don't see this as a punishment or a curse," she said. "It's just the road that I'm on."

To promote awareness of Dystonia and raise money for research and an eventual cure, Standish organized the Freedom to Walk-a-Thon and silent auction, held March 21 at Marysville-Pilchuck High School. Although it's only a local effort this year, the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation has been very supportive of the event and has asked to adopt Standish's slogan "2 steps for awareness, 2 steps toward a cure 4 Dystonia" on a national level.

"I've been blessed by such incredible friends and supporters," Standish said humbly. A few days before the walk the event had already raised more than $1,200 and over 60 participants were signed up.

Her efforts to make more people aware of the relatively rare diseases "have made me so much bolder," Standish said. "I'm becoming more comfortable putting myself out there and sharing my story for the benefit of others."

She has also found a new calling as author of a series of children's books. Standish has created a "bountiful township" filled with hedgehogs who deliver positive intergenerational faith-based messages to young readers. Her first book in the series, "Ganley Delivers Parcel and Post," is set to be released in late May.

Standish was philosophical about her new writing career. "On days when I cannot walk, days when I cannot move, I can still sit and do this," she said. "The stories just flow."

Her work to promote awareness of Dystonia and other neurological diseases resulted in an invitation to a recent Michael J. Fox Roundtable event, where she learned about innovative surgical treatment that's being tested.

"A Parkinson's patient had undergone surgery that provides deep brain stimulation by inserting a pacemaker-like device," Standish explained. "He appeared completely symptom-free, so the procedure seems promising."

Until there's a cure, Sharon Standish will continue on her quiet and powerful mission to make a difference by spreading a message of hope.

"The road isn't easy," she acknowledged, "but there are still good things to be done."

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