It is often said that music brings people together, and for Janet and her music therapist, Tiana, this could not be more true. The two women, both from Nanaimo, have a very special relationship that has carried them through many chapters, both before and after Janet’s Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis.
Throughout her life, Janet balanced a rewarding 30-year long career as a speech-language pathologist with an active lifestyle. She played field hockey in high school and continued to enjoy a variety of sports and outdoor activities throughout adulthood, including skiing, cycling, hiking, and swimming. Janet especially liked walking her dogs with her husband, Darrel, and her son, Blake.
Unfortunately, Darrel passed away in 2021. After his passing, Janet continued to enjoy her dog walks but started noticing she was walking slower than everyone else, whereas previously she was able to keep up. At home, she began to fall a lot. Her physiotherapist suggested she seek neurological testing and even wrote a letter to Janet’s family physician on her behalf. As a result, Janet underwent a dopamine transporter scan (DaTscan) at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
In April of 2024, her neurologist said it was Parkinson’s, but he needed to observe her for a period of time to be sure. Janet says because her diagnosis was gradual, she had time to process it and emotionally adjust.
Sadly, Janet had to re-home her dog, Bud, after she moved into long-term care. On a good week, she walks a very, very short distance, twice a week, facilitated by her physio and using the railing, as she can no longer use a walker.
As always, Janet’s loving, entire family and friends have been immensely supportive. She says the most important lesson she has learned is how loyal, sympathetic, and understanding her loved ones are. Janet enjoys frequent visits with them, chatting over coffee and reminiscing about the old days. She says these visits are crucial to her mental wellbeing. A care aide also visits Janet three times a week and assists her with a wide range of tasks.
One such enduring relationship has been with her music therapist, Tiana, who has encouraged Janet to write songs after they discovered her talent for powerful lyrics. Their sessions together are deeply meaningful for Janet, as they offer a space where she can focus on her creativity and the parts of herself that extend beyond her Parkinson’s disease. Janet emphasizes that music therapy helps her focus on something other than her physical limitations.
Tiana also describes their sessions as rewarding, as she gets to provide a safe environment for people to explore their creativity while working toward goals that support their individual needs. She values the autonomy of her clients and encourages them to try new things when they feel ready. Tiana feels fortunate to be part of Janet’s evolution of discovering her musical side and especially enjoys watching Janet’s face light up when she hears her own voice in their recordings.
After Janet composed 11 songs, Tiana suggested the idea of doing a fundraiser for Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) featuring her music. When Janet agreed, Tiana was thrilled because she knew how special this experience would be. Janet opened the event with a speech that she and Tiana prepared together. Her son, Blake, stood by her side for support and later gave a heartfelt speech thanking the entire family and friends for their encouragement. Janet was deeply moved by the emotional response that her songs received from the audience. Their incredible event raised $2,553 for PSBC.
Although PD has brought challenges, Janet still finds ways to express herself and connect with others. She and Tiana have experienced moments of joy as well as vulnerability, sharing both laughter and tears together. Through music, Janet continues to share her voice and celebrate her creativity.