Diario de Cuyo – After Parkinson’s surgery, he walks again and runs a 42km marathon

He believes in miracles, but he also believes that as long as there is willpower, anything can be achieved. This is an improved example. This is Sergio Mendoza, a 48-year-old chef who ran a 42-kilometer marathon after undergoing Parkinson’s surgery and walking again. He said that although he keeps a low profile, he wants to convey hope to people suffering from this disease and encourage young people to live healthy lives by telling his story.

His passion has always been physical activity, especially triathlons. As a young man, he always stayed active and participated in various competitions. But when I turned 30, everything changed dramatically. “I was in the pool, training for another competition, when I felt stiffness in my muscles, which I had never felt before. This is my main symptom of Parkinson’s disease,” Sergi said O said.

From that point on, everything happened very quickly, the man added. Doctors diagnosed him with the disease, and within months he was unable to walk and even needed help eating and bathing. No matter what, he would not allow himself to lower his arms. “I followed the treatment strictly and learned about the Parkinson’s surgery they did in San Juan and decided to have the surgery, even though I encountered the hurdle of being very expensive. But then I had one of the many wonderful surgeries The surprise gave me life,” the man said.

She began preparing and selling homemade empanadas and pizza to raise money. Since he was well-known in the sports field, they organized a series of events at the gym, which was a success. “I can’t believe so many unknown people collaborated with my surgery. Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to perform the surgery and regain my life,” the athlete said.

In 2019, Sergio underwent surgery in the province, involving doctors from San Juan and Buenos Aires, to implant a subcutaneous chip that could deliver “Parkinson’s-killing” patients. Neurons send energy signals. He was able to walk on his own at the time of discharge, and two months later he started cycling and resumed sports activities. There, he came up with the idea of ​​realizing his dream: running the 42-kilometer long Buenos Aires Marathon. “I ran a marathon here and felt really good, so I started training to run the race in Buenos Aires on September 24 last year. I trained all winter and that helped me finish the whole course. It was an unforgettable experience because it was a race against myself and the disease,” he said.

Sergio defines himself as someone who always enjoys a challenge and is extremely grateful for the “blessings” he has received, such as surviving the 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers in the United States. “I lived in Manhattan for eight years.” Where I was able to learn about gastronomy. I was working in a restaurant next to the Twin Towers when they were attacked. The truth is, it’s a miracle I was rescued at all. To this day, I haven’t forgotten that photo of devastation and despair. After that attack, I returned to San Juan to pursue my two great passions: sports and food. ” the man said. He added that he currently works as a chef at Rosen Hospital’s buffet, where staff eat lunch every day. “I’m grateful for everything I’ve been given and achieved, and that’s why I want to tell People, you can if you want to. For young people, play sports and live a healthy life because the benefits are countless,” he said.