Born in North Carolina where the majority of Sharon’s extended family still live, her immediate family moved permanently to Orange County, California when she was just 3 years old. Sharon grew up in Garden Grove and then moved to Lake Forest when she was married.
Sharon was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease in June, 2002. She immediately began researching and learning all she could about the disease. She decided she could not sit around and wait for what may happen. She has taken an active role in the Parkinson Community to do what she can to help her fellow Parkinsonians. Her studying and keeping up with the latest findings has helped her combat the disease. She is very pleased with her very slow progression and hopes it continues.
After working 25 years at Taco Bell in the Marketing Department, Sharon has recently (March 2010) retired. Taco Bell has been very supportive of Sharon and her dedication to the Parkinson cause.
Sharon’s husband, Jerry, has also been very supportive in her fight against Parkinson’s disease. Sharon and Jerry raised two children who have grown up to have 3 children each, giving them six beautiful grandchildren. Their son has 3 boys and their daughter has 3 girls. They enjoy spending time with the kids and now that Sharon is retired, they see a whole lot more of them.
Sharon is the Fundraising Chairman for NPFOCC and is exploring AND ACCEPTING any and all ideas to raise funds. Her current largest fundraiser is the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon e & Half Marathon every October.