“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

This quote perfectly summarises the positive attitude of Mr.Ramesh(68) and his wife, Mrs. Kasturi(53).

In 2016, their lives started to change when Mrs. Kasturi was diagnosed with PD in June, and Mr. Ramesh was informed of his PD diagnosis in December the same year. 

Both of them were relatively young at the time of diagnosis. Mrs. Kasturi and Mr. Ramesh, were informed by their doctor that Mrs. Kasturi might have genetically inherited her condition from her father, but the cause for Mr. Ramesh was unknown. Nevertheless, with no former knowledge about PD, they accepted the situation and prepared themselves for the unknown. This diagnosis radically altered the lives they built. 

Mr. Ramesh (a retired bank manager) and Mrs. Kasturi (an LIC employee and post office agent) share an unbridled love for travel. For years they have, as a family,extensively travelled across the country. They continue to do so despite PD (temporarily paused due to Covid-19!). Settling in Madurai post-retirement, the couple have built a life for themselves and continue to remain independent with their children living in the USA, London, and Chennai. 

Early into PD, both realised it is important to pay attention to their physical health, hence they have immersed themselves in  yoga, physiotherapy, and exercise. They disconnect from electronic devices an hour before bed to sleep better. Even when watching TV, they avoid dramatic action / thriller movies to maintain mental and physical health. 

Recently, they have started to share their love for food and cooking through their website yummysourashtra.com and have also started a YouTube channel. They have written a recipe book together which is available on Amazon! They are now working on a Tamizh version. Mr. Ramesh also loves to read Hindu religious works like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Both of them feel that keeping the mind sharp and keeping oneself productively engaged has helped them cope with PD. Support of their children, friends and extended family has been an immense help for the couple. A full and enriched life, despite PD.