The Way With Parkinson’s Disease

by Doug Jeanes | Frisco, TX

My wife, Meg, has Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time. We had talked about doing the Camino ever since watching the movie The Way. When Meg read The Ribbon of Road Ahead, Carol Clupny’s account of her own pilgrimage journey after a Parkinson’s diagnosis, Meg decided we should do it sooner than later, while she was able. 

We made our Camino Francés journey from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela from September-October 2024. Depending on the day, Meg would walk a few miles, then take a cab ahead to the albergue where we’d stay that night. I would continue walking and rejoin her down the road. 

Along the way, we met so many people who encouraged us. Word spread and we even had people take photos with us, as they had heard about our journey from other pilgrims. Locals helped Meg with rides when a taxi wasn’t available or the hospitaleros would let her into the albergues early while she waited for me.

In my journal entry on October 13, 2024, in Lavacolla, Spain, I wrote: 

Today marks the last true stage of the Camino for me. It was another tough, hilly walk and for the first time my body said “that’s about enough.” Three of the most grueling days in a row. Takes its toll, I guess. Had to stop and take off my shoes for a while. Then put on the extra socks we carry for such an occasion. I can’t believe I have walked for close to 40 days with no real issues. I was completely exhausted and as soon as they opened up the pensión, I was first in line and crashed for two hours. Something I never do. Meg was amazed that I was so beat. Tomorrow is almost ceremonial. I’ll meet Meg at the edge of Santiago and we will walk in together. A short walk, but the one with the most meaning. Pilgrims walk to the cathedral and sign in to get their credentials checked and pick up their Compostelas. We will visit the tomb of St. James, then just hang out in the plaza in front of the church and watch the other arrivals. There are also pilgrim masses several times a day. …

Our year or more of planning, saving, buying gear, blogging, going to gatherings, walking, joining Facebook groups and watching tons of YouTube films, is all coming to an end tomorrow. Everyone says “you’ll never be the same and it will remain a part of you”.

My body has changed, my mind has changed, my heart has changed, and I have found a new spirit inside of me. 

Meg told me she didn’t deserve a Compostela because she didn’t walk the whole thing. I told her the difference is that “you’ve walked what you can, sometimes as far as you can.” I walked a lot and sometimes to exhaustion. I may have done a lot, but she gave it her all.