“ I have a condition … I have found that one of the most helpful ways to deal with Parkinson’s is to think of it not as a degenerative disease that I suffer with, but as simply a condition that I can adapt to and live with.  I then go out and live my life in the best way I can, learning and growing, appreciating my friends and making new ones, encouraging those around me.  I now know what it is like to feel hopeless, and I never want anyone to feel that awful way.  I found this attitude in the story of Joy Milne, a Scottish nurse who could smell the existence of Parkinson’s disease, and her friend, Alison Williams, who found she could diminish the effects of the disease by refusing to let it control her.  You can find that story here.

I bet you can think of someone who has mastered this trick, whether they do it consciously or not.  My good friend Stan Wedel is one.”

- Jack Martin

From the moment you meet Jack Martin, his vibrant energy and passion for life simply radiate from him!! Jack is a keen member of our local Power for Parkinson’s community and brings his amazing spirit and enthusiasm to our FUN-filled ping pong classes each week, where he is proud to say he has finally developed a decent forehand shot!! 

Diagnosed in 2016, Jack initially struggled to come to terms with his new reality, often feeling overwhelmed and, in his words, “sticking my head in the sand.” In the early days following his diagnosis, he avoided being around others with PD as he didn’t want to see how the disease would most assuredly impact him further down the road. However, a turning point came when PFP instructor, Lauren Lewis, a longtime friend, introduced him to fellow participant Stan Wedel. Stan encouraged Jack to try boxing, and from that point onwards, everything changed.

Jack immediately felt the transformative benefits of movement and has been unstoppable ever since!! He boxes three times a week, attends PFP ping pong classes regularly, and recently played in the Huntsman Senior Games, where he earned a bronze medal in the singles category and a gold medal in the doubles category of the Neuro-pong competition. An avid mountain biker, Jack also rides several times a week and rides most Thursdays with Kent Howerton, a longtime friend, and a former three-time national motocross champion.  Kent is a fellow Parkinson’s warrior, and the two draw strength from each other to fight their common foe.  Hiking is another form of movement that brings Jack a lot of joy; he loves exploring the trails around Austin, and you will often find him working on his balance by walking the jagged rocks and uneven surfaces of dry creek beds!!

Introduced to motorcycles at an early age by his older brother, Gary, Jack has a deep-rooted passion for them that has shaped much of his life. After more than 55 years on two wheels, he still enjoys attending races and cruising around the Hill Country on his KTM 790 Duke whenever he gets the chance. He has also written several articles on the topic and even helped produce ”Penton: The John Penton Story,” an acclaimed documentary about an icon of the dirt bike world featuring Lyle Lovett as narrator and soundtrack music by Wimberley native and multi-time Grammy winner Sarah Jarosz, a family friend. Jack still has many unrecorded life experiences and stories that he hopes to share someday, and he is currently enjoying dabbling in creative writing.

Jack infuses his zest for life into everything he does. His life is enriched by his two sons and his four young grandchildren, and he sees them as much as he can. His loving wife, Liza, has been an immeasurable support to him as he has navigated living with Parkinson’s. Reflecting on his diagnosis, Jack recalls the fear that initially consumed him, noting that it was the first thought that would come into his mind each morning. However, the appropriate medication and his steadfast commitment to exercise and movement have given him hope and the ability to feel joy once again!! He marvels at how much better he is at this stage of his journey than he thought he would be when he was first diagnosed and has realized that having Parkinson’s doesn’t need to define him

Jack’s diagnosis prompted him to retire five years earlier than planned, and he is just so glad that he did!! He now fills his days with activities he loves and is determined to continue to embrace the positives of living with PD; meaningful connections, personal growth and a deepened appreciation for life. Jack, our Ping Pong Wednesdays would not be the same without your infectious energy, and we are truly grateful that you are a part of our PFP community!!