Living Well, Running Hard: Lessons Learned from Living with Parkinson's Disease

In the year 1983, John Ball found himself at a crucial juncture in his life, a moment for reflecting on the first half of his journey before embarking on the second. It was during this period that he was confronted with the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, shortly before reaching the age of forty. The memoir authored by Ball chronicles his experiences of living with Parkinson's disease and his endeavors to enhance the quality of life for individuals grappling with challenging diagnoses and incapacitating illnesses. Titled "Living Well, Running Hard," the book sheds light on Ball's evolution from a state of seclusion to assuming a prominent role within the Parkinson's community. Through his protracted endeavor to comprehend the intricacies of the disease, Ball offers a comprehensive exploration of Parkinson's disease. He recounts how his transformation was spurred by a childhood aspiration to participate in a marathon, illustrating how his passion for running, his inclination towards taking initiative, and his readiness to tackle obstacles culminated in the establishment of Team Parkinson. Despite his diagnosis, Ball has persisted in running the Los Angeles Marathon annually for the past fifteen years. With its intimate and motivational narrative, "Living Well, Running Hard" articulates the tale of one individual's resilience and triumph.