Elena Tuero was only in her mid-20s when she began experiencing disturbing symptoms, such as loss of balance and tremors. By 27, she was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s. For the next 17 years, Tuero fought a losing battle with the disease as it slowly stole her most basic capabilities, like walking, dressing and feeding herself.
Then, in 2003, Tuero underwent a successful surgical procedure, and, with a combination of PD medications, is now better able to control her symptoms. As a way to express her emotions at the time, Tuero picked up a paintbrush to release them on canvas — and hasn’t stopped since.
“When you have Parkinson’s disease, the idea of picking up a paintbrush is as remote as entering a figure skating competition,” Tuero explains. “I don’t know how long this will last, or what the future holds for me, but I’m determined to cherish every second of my life.”
Today, Tuero has completed more than 100 paintings, which she donates to help raise money for a cure for Parkinson’s. She also created an informational Web site on Parkinson’s disease in Spanish for people living with PD (www.maldeparkinson.org). The site includes the inspiring story of how Tuero has overcome struggles with PD to live a full and active life, as well as links to other Parkinson’s sites, publications and information of interest.
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