Life has a way of throwing curveballs that can change a person’s trajectory in an instant. For many over 50, identities, routines, and a sense of style have long been established.
But what happens when an unexpected diagnosis forces someone to reevaluate everything, including the clothes they wear and the shoes they walk in?
This is the story of resilience, adaptation, and the transformative power of personal style.
At 41, Kimberly Campanello was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—a condition often associated with older age, but one that can strike earlier in life, as it did for her.
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
For those with young-onset Parkinson’s like Kimberly, the journey can be particularly challenging as it intersects with the prime of life.
Style and comfort had always guided her fashion choices. She fondly remembered her first pair of Converse All Stars—a vibrant teal and yellow pair with the hi-top lip folded over to reveal the lemony interior.
These shoes weren’t just footwear; they were a statement of identity. They accompanied her on her wedding day and across the globe, from the cobblestone streets of Rome to the bustling markets of Mumbai.
Her Fly London boots were another staple—their unique design and durability made them perfect for her treasure hunts for vintage and secondhand finds.
However, Parkinson’s began to rewrite the rules of her wardrobe. The disease introduced a level of complexity to her movements that she had never experienced before.
Dystonia—an involuntary and often painful twisting of the body—became a frequent and unwelcome companion, targeting her back, hands, feet, and ankles. The once-comfortable Converse and Fly boots became instruments of discomfort, their flexible soles and wedge heels now a source of instability.
The realisation that her cherished shoes were no longer suitable was a tough pill to swallow. It felt like losing a part of herself.
But necessity is the mother of invention, and her quest for new, supportive footwear led her to Nike tactical boots and Dunk Highs, which offered the stiff soles and ankle support she needed.
Letting go of her old shoes was a gradual process. They sat unused—a reminder of a life before Parkinson’s.
A friend suggested she sell them on Vinted, an online marketplace. The process of listing and selling the shoes was unexpectedly cathartic.
It connected her with people who not only appreciated the items for their style but also shared their own stories of illness and change.
Her new style evolved to accommodate her condition. Layering became essential—not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for managing the temperature fluctuations caused by Parkinson’s and the side effects of medication.
She discovered funky shirts and longish jackets that allowed her to express her personality while addressing her physical needs.
The journey of redefining her style has been about more than just clothes and shoes. It’s been about understanding the limitations that life can impose and finding ways to adapt and thrive within them. It’s about the power of community and the shared experiences that bind us, even with strangers across the internet.
To our readers who may be facing similar challenges, whether due to Parkinson’s or other life changes, know that your style can still reflect who you are. It can empower you and provide comfort in the face of adversity.
Embrace the evolution of your personal style as a reflection of your resilience. And remember, the right pair of shoes might not take you as far as they once did, but they can still take you in the right direction—towards a life lived with grace, determination, and a sense of self that no diagnosis can diminish.
We’d love to hear from you—have you had to adapt your style due to health changes or other life events? How have you maintained your sense of identity through it all? Share your stories in the comments below and let’s continue to inspire and support each other through life’s unexpected turns.
Also read: Friends unite to fight Parkinson’s Disease with free Massive Open Online Course
I too have Parkinson’s, diagnosed about 18 months ago, along with several other movement disorders and medical conditions. I can relate to the body temperature changes, the unsteady gait, dribbling like Sir Les Patterson, the rigidity, etc. We can’t allow it to define us though, we have to take the good days with the bad, adjust to our changing conditions and keep going. Different people have said to me that I’m facing an uncertain future and yes, I am, but at the end of the day we all are. We can all be fine today and by tomorrow everything has changed. We just have a diagnosis for our change.