Harry and Nancy Knitter live such an active life in the Clarkston community, they figured they might as well appear in front of the camera, too.
The couple are among the ‘stars? of a new video, ‘In Their Own Words,? a documentary focusing on people in Michigan affected by Parkinson’s disease.
The 25-minute video debuted on May 4 at a support group meeting in Rochester facilitated by Nancy Knitter, and will be used by doctors and support groups throughout the state to help those facing the news of the chronic, progressive neurological condition.
‘I’m a little bit of a ham, anyway,? Harry Knitter said with a laugh. ‘We were glad to do it.?
The video, narrated by Detroit media personality Rich Fisher, features interviews with the Knitters and other couples concerning their experiences not only coping, but living a full life despite the disease.
Harry Knitter, who with his wife run their own small publishing company, has already written a book about his experiences. He welcomed the opportunity to do the video, however, hoping it will help comfort and encourage people receiving the news of the diagnosis.
In a way, he wishes something like that was available when he was diagnosed 13 years ago.
‘We didn’t have a lot of reference information,? he said. ‘We didn’t know where to turn.?
The couple did a lot of their own research, but eventually joined with the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation, a non-profit organization working toward education and support for those dealing with the disease.
Knitter, who is also an active member of the Clarkston Optimist Club, has fully embraced the concept of ‘making lemonade when they throw lemons at you.?
‘If I have to go through life with Parkinson’s, I’m going to do it with a positive note,? he said.
Nancy Knitter, who considers herself a ‘care-partner? rather than a ‘caregiver,? said she hopes people facing the disease realize their role providing support, not just receiving it.
‘Parkinsonians have to help each other,? she said. ‘We’re kind of a team with this.?
He a former businessman and she a former teacher, the Knitters are busy practicing what they preach, traveling around the state as seminar presenters and having newly-diagnosed Parkinson’s patients in their home. Harry Knitter described a young woman they met with a couple weeks ago.
‘She was confused and frustrated,? he said. ‘We tried to point out that life doesn’t end when you get Parkinson’s.?
According to the foundation, Parkinson’s disease affects 2 percent of the population over 60 years of age, with an estimated 30,000 people in Michigan being diagnosed. Cardinal signs are tremor at rest, slowness of movement, stiffness and problems with balance. Although there is no cure, Parkinson’s disease can be effectively managed with medication for a long period of time.
The Knitters say one of the silver linings of dealing with the disease is the number of nice people they’ve met across the state. They hope to meet more, as their new support group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester.
For more information on the video or the support group, call the Knitters at 248-922-9400.