At Age 81, The Best Is Yet to Come

The actor and Parkinson’s activist Michael J. Fox once said, “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”

That sentiment is true for Sterling and his wife. After many years in Buffalo, New York, they experimented with life in Naples, Florida. It didn’t last long. Though the climate and lifestyle were ideal, it meant being thousands of miles away from their large family: five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Now, the couple lives in a retirement community in Martinsburg, PA, where they can easily visit family. But Sterling says that the move would not have been possible without The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Parkinson’s Disease Copay Assistance Program.

TAF assistance has allowed Sterling and his wife, Louise, to move into their new retirement community. “I couldn’t afford to be where I am right now with my wife without TAF,” Sterling said.

“I couldn’t afford to be where I am right now with my wife without TAF,” Sterling said. “There are tons of activities here. TAF is key because my treatment is very expensive.”

In 2014, Sterling began experiencing tremors. His doctors at the University of Florida’s Health Shands Hospital put him through several tests. One year later, Sterling was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“The last thing I wanted to do was throw my hands up,” Sterling said. “There are still many things I can do.”

For years, Sterling maintained an active lifestyle. His doctors advised him that running and lifting weights could improve his quality of life. Sterling had no plans to give up, but his treatment cost — more than $900 a month — stood in the way.

“I was on six pills a day,” he said. “I know I can live a very fruitful life; I just need to do everything I’m supposed to,” Sterling said.

Sterling’s doctor suggested he apply for financial assistance with The Assistance Fund. Within minutes, Sterling found the Parkinson’s Disease Copay Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for prescribed FDA-approved treatment including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

“I appreciate everything that TAF is doing on our behalf,” Sterling said. “What you’re doing helps more than just myself. You help the entire Parkinson’s community.”

After years of only gathering for Christmas, Sterling’s family is ready for more frequent visits. And though the pandemic has put a pause on their plans, Sterling knows that the new vaccines mean he can begin to dream about what is next.

“I’m 81 years old, and I’m looking forward to the next 10,” he said.