Diane & Marco Perella
The families that are part of the Power for Parkinson’s community are incredibly special, and we are constantly inspired by them. They show up for each other and for us week after week. During Family Matters month, we’re honored to highlight some of those families whose love and support for each other fuels us, too. Today, we’re celebrating two of our beloved participants, Marco and Diane Perella.
Marco and Diane have been married for 46 years after meeting in Taos, New Mexico — and as they tell it, they instantly hit it off. Both enjoyed robust careers in acting, building a life rooted in creativity and shared passion. Marco taught acting workshops in Austin for decades in between starring in TV and films including “Landman,” “Miss Congeniality,” and Academy Award Best Picture Nominee, “Boyhood.” Marco is clever, caring, and always knows how to make the room laugh. Diane is compassionate, joyful, and warm. She dedicated years of her life to acting as well, with roles in “Manglehorn,” “Friday Night Lights,” and many other productions. They are beloved to the PfP community and lovely to be in the presence of.
Marco was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago. Since then, he and Diane have been navigating the journey side by side. When I asked how they have supported each other, Diane immediately shared that Marco has been “incredibly stoic and brave about all of this” and is “terrific every step of the way” which has made it easier. Marco echoed Diane’s sincerity and shared that she is always there for him. He specifically recounted a time when Diane was there to “scoop him up” after a fall.
The Perellas feel that adaptation and flexibility are essential in any relationship. The ways in which Parkinson’s has affected their lives cannot be changed, so they prefer to look at it with the lens that you have to keep on adjusting – one day at a time. “You have to find how you fit together. That doesn’t happen overnight,” Diane says. Change is part of life, and the love that Marco and Diane share makes tackling the challenges together more manageable.
We ended our conversation by talking about why being a part of Power for Parkinson’s as a family is impactful to Marco and Diane. In addition to the benefits of physical exercise, Marco appreciates having people with him that are in the same boat because it gives him a sense of community. “It’s always nice to have some pals,” he says. He enjoys exercising alongside peers that understand his experiences. After a career in music and acting, he is still being creatively fulfilled in PfP’s events and new Vocal Power Hour class. Diane treasures PfP because of all the ways it provides an environment of belonging. She attends our Care Partner Support Group and shares that she has felt so supported by other people in her shoes as they share encouragement, experiences, and resources.
Marco and Diane are a vibrant demonstration of the strength, resilience, and love that define family. They are a beautiful example of how to uplift others, stand brave in the face of adversity, and spread joy to the community. Thank you, Marco and Diane, for showing us why family matters!
