Monday, March 26th 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio — No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty first.
That’s the motto of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and it stays with Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo, who served with the 1st ID.
It’s a motto he calls on now, as he faces a different kind of battle. But it’s one you may not see, as Mingo offers a smile and handshake for everyone he meets, especially at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center. For Mingo, this is where his walk with health challenges began in 1993, after returning from the Persian Gulf.
“I was among those veterans who came back with a range if un-diagnosable symptoms – all of them neurological,” said Clarence Mingo, Franklin County Auditor. “Over time, those symptoms sort of morphed into what most people call Parkinson’s Disease or Parkinson-ism.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and develops gradually, changing even the simplest tasks.
“Every day, it’s hard to get up,” said Mingo. “It’s hard to get dressed. It’s hard to groom myself and do all the things that a normal person would do in good order and with deliberate speed. But what I learned in the army … that can-do mentality that idea that it may take me a little longer, but I’ll work harder and we’ll get through it. I still live with that.”
Officially diagnosed in 2013, Parkinson’s may have changed his life. But it hasn’t slowed him down.
“I want to walk with Parkinson’s,” said Mingo. “I want to walk with it… not merely live with it, but walk with it and in a positive and healthy way.”
There is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but many symptoms can be managed with medication and other treatments. Auditor Mingo calls himself a “frequent flyer” at the VA over the last 5 years, receiving primary care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
He continues to stay busy with family and his many responsibilities as the Franklin County Auditor – working with the community on property values, taxes, and licenses for pets.
Each day offers him a new opportunity to share the message about the impact of Parkinson’s Disease. It’s an impact that goes far beyond the physical symptoms.
“A lot of times we look at the weaknesses in our lives and we think those weaknesses are reasons why we can’t and other people will tell you that too,” said Mingo. “But I’ve learned because of this disease that weaknesses can very much be strengths.”
Auditor Mingo says Parkinson’s Disease has given him a chronic purpose – to engage, be active and contribute.
So, even when the days get tough, he calls on those familiar words from the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.
“No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty first,” said Mingo, reciting the motto of the 1st ID.
And he continues his walk with Parkinson’s Disease.
“There’s life with Parkinson’s Disease,” said Mingo. “Like everyone else… highs and lows. Still life and, for me, one I’m very thankful to have.”
April marks Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
Video:
http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/franklin-county-auditor-details-health-battle-with-parkinsons-disease
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