Former Razorback and Olympian writes inspiring memoir amid Parkinson’s battle
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Thursday is World Parkinson’s Day, and everyone diagnosed has their own story of battling the disease. One former Razorback track star hopes that sharing his story helps others.
Born and raised for a part of his life in Ireland, Frank O’Mara, 63, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2009 in Arkansas. The disease has no cure.
Comedian Richard Lewis reveals he has Parkinson’s disease
However, O’Mara said he hopes his journey with the disease helps others know they’re not alone in his new memoir “Bend Don’t Break.”
“The book is a story about my trial with Parkinson’s and a look back to different events in my life,” O’Mara said.
He said he can still remember the moments leading up to him being diagnosed.
“There are over 40 different symptoms of Parkinson’s, my first symptom appeared on a run one day,” O’Mara said. “It was devastating, I had lots of ambitions.”
O’Mara was the Chief Commercial Officer for Alltel, one of the nation’s largest wireless operators but before he was running that, the Irish runner was a former All-American Razorback track star and an Olympian.
“I had a 12-year professional running career. I went to three Olympics and won 2 World Championships. It was very fulfilling,” O’Mara said.
Parkinson’s changed O’Mara’s entire way of living but around 4 years ago he says he had a deep brain stimulation surgery which he says changed his life for the better.
“It’s not a death sentence, it’s a life sentence you can only win by slowing the progression,” O’Mara said.
Michael J. Fox receives 2023 Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at Clinton Global Initiative
The surgery helped with debilitating obstacles that he was able to overcome and later on, he traveled to the South Pole and hiked a small mountain.
“I don’t give up easily and I keep pushing as much as I can,” O’Mara said.
O’Mara hopes the memoir he wrote himself inspires others.
“So, living in the now and being present is the way I cope,” O’Mara stated. “Cherish every moment, every day, and hopefully people will love you and are there to help you.”
O’Mara’s book will be released on April 19.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
