Hi. My name is Kerry Rae.
I am a writer, speaker, and advocate for care partners.
I have spent over 30 years working with mission-driven, community-based organizations and am passionate about service.
I remain deeply involved in the Parkinson’s community in honor of my late husband, Harry.
For the past decade, I have contributed to the World Parkinson Congress, serving on steering committees and coordinating volunteers for congresses in Portland, Kyoto, Barcelona, and Phoenix.
Locally, I volunteer with Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon and co-founded Movers & Shakers PDX, a walking team that raises awareness of Parkinson’s. In addition to monthly walks, the team participates in the iconic Portland to Coast relay every August.
I live in Portland (the one on the west coast), with my yellow lab, Ras.
I find joy sleeping in my tent, cheering loudly for women’s soccer, and exploring the world with curiosity and heart.
He had beautiful brown eyes, a kind soul, and a big heart.
He was my husband, my best friend, my biggest supporter, my quick-witted banter-buddy. He was smart, funny, and adventurous. He didn’t always put his stuff away, he was slightly neurotic, and he could play a mean game of Scrabble.
We had been married for five years when he was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis of a progressive, degenerative neurological disease was an incredible blow. We were shocked, frightened, and angry.
We also believed that the universe is full of opportunities and that life is open to what you make of it. We refused to let the incredibly difficult challenge create a negative narrative about our existence together.
One cold, rainy spring day, we hatched a plan.