This morning, we are honored to welcome Lucia, who will be sharing her personal journey with Parkinson’s disease and her experience with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery.
Lucia was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2002. Yet, she continued to lead a full and impactful professional life for 17 more years, serving as Dean of the School of Health, Dean of the School of Business, and Vice President at the Mequon campus before retiring in 2014.
For over two decades, she managed her condition with medication—until October and November of last year, when she underwent DBS surgery. This innovative procedure, often compared to a pacemaker for the brain, helps reduce symptoms like tremor, rigidity, and slowness, dramatically improving quality of life.
Lucia’s story is one of resilience, hope, and determination. Today, she will give us a firsthand look into the challenges of Parkinson’s, the DBS surgical process, and the remarkable improvements she has experienced since.
Please join me in welcoming Lucia.