Foreword
Love in Action: The Care Partner Journey
Lonnie Ali was a care partner to her husband, athlete and humanitarian Muhammad Ali. She is a member of MJFF’ s Founders Council and a previous member of the Board of Directors.
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Care partnership is a journey of love, resilience and profound transformation. When Parkinson’ s disease enters a family’ s life, it affects more than just the person receiving the diagnosis; it reshapes the lives of everyone who loves them. I know this journey intimately. As Muhammad’ s partner and care partner, I learned that Parkinson’ s doesn’ t just test the body; it tests patience, courage and the very fabric of relationships. Yet within those challenges, I also found strength, purpose and an unbreakable bond.
In the early days of a Parkinson’ s diagnosis, fear and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. I vividly remember seeking answers, trying to understand what our future would hold. Knowledge became my lifeline. Learning about the disease, its symptoms, treatment options and the importance of working with specialists empowered me to advocate for Muhammad and our family. It’ s also why, in addition to working with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we created the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, which provides trusted information, expert guidance and community support to people living with this disease and their families.
Being a care partner is something you figure out as you go. There’ s no standard list of responsibilities and no handbook to follow. But a resource like this guide is invaluable in helping care partners feel less alone. Many are traveling the same road with you— even if their road takes different twists and turns.
I wish I had a resource like this when I embarked on my care partnership journey. No matter where you are in your travels, I encourage you to use this guide however you see fit. Read it cover to cover, or flip through it when the time is right. Use or adapt what works for you; hold it close and refer to it often. Leave what doesn’ t work behind.
As I reflect on my family’ s journey, I am reminded that care partnership is not a burden— it is love in action. There will be hard days, but also moments of deep connection and joy. By caring for our loved ones and ourselves, we honor life as it is, not just the illness we face.
With gratitude,
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