Help Ashley raise money

Some of you know and some of you now know, my Dad has Parkinson’s. He was diagnosed last month via a brain scan at Cape Cod Hospital. We’d been noticing some minor tremors that were increasing in frequency over the last year and encouraged him to see a neurologist. For those of you who know my Dad, you know how active he is, so you would think this news would be hard to handle. But my dad, being my dad, is his ever-positive self, listing all the physical activities he can continue to do, in this moment, that will help him manage this disease and slow its process. He’s been running and cycling consistently for the last decade and has added in more weight training and boxing thanks to Peloton. The hand movements and footwork coordination can help Parkinson’s tremors, so he jumped right into it without hesitation, because it’s Cabell/Dad/my Hero. He’s mentioned his desire to surf and sail more before losing his balance, and I’m sure he will fit it in! Along with scuba diving, hiking, and revisiting many of his passions.

I can’t remember the first time I ran with my Dad, and I think that’s because when I started running, he ran with me! I had running assignments for sports throughout my life, and my dad was often by my side. By the time I got to Georgetown, summer field hockey workouts were intense, but he just pushed me harder. I’ve always been a fair-weather fan of running. I go through phases with it. But to see my Dad’s consistency with it over the last decade has been inspiring. When I run with him now, I’ll stay at his pace, and he will never fail to pull a “Cabell” and sprint at the end to beat me! We have been blessed to run in many locations together, but we started on Cape Cod. Running the Falmouth Road Race with him has always been a dream, and I am thrilled to be running alongside him, to raise money for Parkinson’s, this year. His brother, my Uncle Steve, will be running in support as well and helped us all join this team!

My girls don’t know Granddad has Parkinson’s yet. I imagine we will tell them soon, but Granddad is Granddad, their hero too. And a diagnosis will never change that. He is, and always will be, the most loving, caring, generous, uplifting, hilarious, and positive person we have ever known. My dad’s always told me one thing, that I think of every day, “just leave this world a better place.” And his life work as an ocean scientist has certainly done that. But, also, he means it simply. Be kind, pick up that piece of trash on the beach, lend a hand, donate what you can, and give someone a smile, while you can. Carpe diem, my friends. And thank you all for your support and love. We love you! And Dad, I’m so proud of you for sharing your story to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s research. This world is a better place, because of you. I love you.