OZAUKEE Co., Wis. — Inside of Faye Junker’s home, she has a room dedicated to her hobby: Quilting. She spends a lot of time in there creating different quilts. 

What You Need To Know

  • Faye Junker turned to quilting for comfort after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 

  • Each quilt has a story behind it. She said her most meaningful quilt represents her disease 

  • Attending support groups has helped Junker manage her Parkinson's disease and have a community

Each quilt has a story. She gets inspiration from nature, architecture and experiences. 

“A friend gave me all of these strips of fabric, so I had to figure out what to do with them,” said Junker. 

Junker’s most meaningful quilt is hung above her fireplace. It represents her Parkinson’s disease. 

“Well, the red pieces are many pieces representing the struggles of Parkinson’s,” said Junker. “The black tree is bending with the disease, bending to endure the disease.” 

She was diagnosed over a decade ago and experiences fatigue and balance issues. Quilting has become an escape from the disease.

“It keeps my mind busy,” said Junker. “Not having to think about Parkinson’s all the time. I just try to create something and keep myself busy.” 

Attending a monthly support group has also benefited Junker. The group is in Ozaukee County at the Newcastle Place. It’s run by Gail Johnson, who is a retired psychotherapist and has lost loved ones to the disease. 

“She’s brought her quilts to group and she’s very proud of them,” said Johnson. “She’s such a good role model for encouraging people to have a project they can spend some energy on because you can see what it does for her self esteem and everything.” 

Johnson said by attending support groups, not only do you have a community, but you’re also learning about diet, exercise, medications and learning how to navigate the disease. This is something Junker is thankful to have, and it’s helped her confidence over the years. 

“That people with Parkinson’s can feel stronger and braver being out in the public with people,” said Junker. 

Her next quilt is also related to her Parkinson’s; she’s calling it “Around the Bend.”

“It will start all the symptoms of Parkinson’s and then it will be trees and you won’t know what’s coming around next,” said Junker. “You don’t know what the future is going to hold in the next few years.” 

For now, she’ll hold on to her passion for quilting that’s keeping her going each day. 

Form more information on Parkinson’s disease support groups across Wisconsin, click here. 

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