On December 18, 2023, our mom, Candy Dixon, completed her valiant battle against Parkinson's Disease (PD). Diagnosed in February 2017, our mom's journey with PD was "atypical." Everything about her symptoms and challenges did not follow what many medical personnel would say was expected. Who could foresee that epilepsy would also be in store for her journey? As she began her PD journey, we found ourselves in a race against time to support the "core of our family," "the glue," our mom.
She was a dedicated elementary school secretary before her retirement in 2019. Miss Candy, as she was affectionately known by all, was a die-hard Disney fan, spending many Christmases with our family at Disneyland. She made her office welcoming, nurturing, supportive, and interactive with her Disney memorabilia and dolls. She was such a generous, friendly, and selfless person, which was infectious.
Our family and all who knew her were devastated by her diagnosis of PD. Even though she fought as hard as she could, Parkinson's robbed her of her beautiful smile, due to her loss of facial muscle control. PD took her loving voice that provided strength, reassurance, and love. Her service to others never waivered as PD slowly took away the lively-spirited person that she was.
Even in her passing, our mom's final gift was a selfless act in donation of her brain to the ongoing research of Parkinson's Disease, so that one day we can find the cure for this heart-wrenching and debilitating disease. She never wanted anyone or any family to go through the painful journey. As well, she was such a "fascinating" case to many medical professionals. Maybe this selfless act will make a profound impact and change the course of treatment, just as our mom has made such a profound impact on the lives she touched.
Please support us in finding the cure against Parkinson's Disease. The Parkinson's Foundation provided our family with the support and resources to gain knowledge to help her. Thank you for considering a contribution to the Parkinson's Foundation in memory of our dear mom, Candy.
With your support, we can help the Parkinson's Foundation's mission to make life better for people with Parkinson’s. We understand the importance of raising money for such an important cause.
No matter what you can give, every dollar counts! So please make a donation on our mom's behalf.
Thank you so much for your support and for helping us raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's Disease.
Update: On December 23, 2023, our dad, Jim Dixon, completed his brave journey with cancer. He is with our mom and they are together again. They both fought so hard and loved unconditionally. We miss them terribly, but we know they are in a better place and no longer suffering.
Thank you all for your support, love, and kindness.
Love,
Angie, Marci, and Jamie