April invites a moment to slow down and notice the quiet strength carried by so many families. Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month is symbolized by the gray or silver ribbon, a color that reflects resilience, dignity and the often unseen journey of those living with this condition. Each year on April 11, Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day brings people together in recognition, reflection and support.
For some, Parkinson’s is something they have read about or heard about through Michael J. Fox. For others, it touches life in a deeply personal way. For our family, it will always be connected to the memory of a man who shaped us.
A Life of Strength and Heart
My grandfather, William Ridgway, stood tall, steady and grounding in every sense. As a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he belonged to the same class as Jimmy Carter, a reflection of his discipline, integrity and quiet leadership.
What made him unforgettable lived in the smaller, human moments. He felt everything deeply. When he was proud of his family or moved by something meaningful, he would burst into tears without hesitation. That openness showed me that strength and emotion can exist side by side.
He taught by example. He showed me how to be a better person through thoughtfulness and consistency. And he encouraged me to make lists, weigh advantages and disadvantages and consider my choices carefully. Those lessons stayed with me and shape how I approach life today.
He also knew how to make learning real and immediate. When he taught me to ride a bike, he ran behind me, steady and determined, guiding me with a firm grip on my neck. It was not exactly gentle, but it worked. That moment captured something essential about him: he gave strength, presence, and guidance all at once.
The Reality of Parkinson’s
Over time, Parkinson’s changed him, and watching that progression was profoundly painful. The disease affects more than movement. It reaches into every part of daily life, gradually taking away independence in ways both visible and invisible. I remember how my grandfather first lost the ability to move freely, then struggled to speak, all while his mind remained sharp. It was devastating to see him realize how much his strength had turned to weakness. Families feel that shift deeply.
When one person receives the diagnosis, everyone close to them shares the experience. The impact ripples through routines, relationships, and the emotional fabric of a family, shaping how each person moves forward and cares for one another.
The Strength of Caregivers
The strength of those who stood beside him remains unforgettable. My grandmother carried so much with quiet resilience. My grandmother carried so much with quiet resilience. He once did everything for her, and over time, their roles shifted completely. My mom, along with my aunts and uncles, showed up day after day with patience, dedication and love. Caregiving requires devotion, but it also carries an emotional and physical weight that is constant. It asks for presence during long days and steady strength in moments that feel overwhelming.
Watching them care for my grandfather shaped my understanding of compassion. It showed me what it truly means to support someone—not just in big moments, but in every small, daily challenge. Their love and commitment created a network of care that allowed him to live with dignity and reminded me how families endure together.
Why Awareness Matters
Awareness goes beyond a single moment. It lives in the stories we share and the ways we remember. Supporting Parkinson’s disease awareness helps fund research, but it also honors the lived experiences of families navigating it right now. Awareness recognizes caregivers, opens space for honest conversations, and keeps hope alive. Every gesture, every shared story, brings us closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure.
A Quiet Way to Show Support
At Rumi Sumaq, awareness begins with connection. Each piece is hand-knotted slowly and intentionally, creating something tangible that carries meaning beyond itself.
Two bracelet designs reflect Parkinson’s awareness in this spirit. Our gray awareness bracelet features a solid gray tone, simple, steady, and strong. The other blends gray, silver, and soft off-white, representing the layered nature of this journey.
These Parkinson’s Disease awareness bracelets are more than accessories. They are small, wearable reminders of someone loved, of challenges faced and of the strength it takes to move through both.
Wearing Gray in April
Choosing to wear gray in April may feel like a small gesture, but it carries deep meaning. Gray is the symbol of Parkinson’s awareness, representing strength, resilience, and the quiet courage required to face each day with this disease. Wearing it publicly shows solidarity—not just with those living with Parkinson’s, but with the families and caregivers whose lives are intertwined with every challenge, every victory, and every moment of perseverance. It offers a quiet way to say: I see you. I remember. I care. For those who have walked this path or continue to walk it, that recognition matters more than words can fully express.
For me, wearing gray is a way to honor my grandfather’s memory, his strength and the lessons he passed on. It reminds me of the importance of noticing the small acts of love and care that happen every day, often unseen. It is also a reminder that awareness matters beyond a single month: conversations, research and support continue year-round. Each bracelet, each ribbon and each choice to wear gray is a small act of hope, a symbol that we remember, care, and work toward a future where fewer families endure this journey alone. Wearing these gray bracelets allows us to carry that intention with us in a tangible way, keeping loved ones close in our thoughts and showing quiet support for the Parkinson’s community.
A Legacy That Lives On
Over twenty years later, my grandfather’s presence still shapes how our family lives and cares for one another. His strength, warmth, and love continue to guide us. Honoring his memory through Parkinson’s disease awareness keeps that legacy alive. It also supports the hope for a future cure, where fewer families have to experience the same kind of loss.
