How do you keep moving forward when Parkinson’s tries to rewrite your life?
In this episode, Bob Gress shares his powerful journey from a lifetime of physical work and sports to facing the life-changing challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Bob opens up about the long road to diagnosis, the emotional toll of losing strength and mobility, and the turning point that came when his wife encouraged him to get out of the recliner and start moving again.
That decision led him to pickleball, and the game became a lifeline. Bob talks about how pickleball helped restore his strength, confidence, joy, and sense of purpose, while also giving him community, connection, and hope. He also shares what it means to adapt, keep working, accept support, and continue showing up with courage.
This is a deeply moving and inspiring conversation about Parkinson’s disease, resilience, caregiving, marriage, healing, faith, pickleball, and the life lessons that come from refusing to give up.
📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon
Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve
A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.
A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.
Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com
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Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen
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