Robert W Leaver

Keeping On Keeping On

Fifteen years ago, shortly before my 50th birthday, I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, an incurable and progressive neurological disorder.

At the time, I was playing tennis regularly and looking forward to the years ahead. Then I began losing strength and flexibility on my right side. Eventually, I could no longer play the game I loved. That was when I knew something was seriously wrong.

Since then, Parkinson’s has changed nearly every aspect of my life. Dyskinesia, balance problems, fatigue, insomnia, speech difficulties, and cognitive fog can make even the simplest daily tasks challenging. Managing the disease is a constant process of monitoring symptoms, adjusting medications, attending therapy, and receiving specialized medical care.

But despite all of this, I am determined to keep moving forward.

Music Has Always Been There

Music has been my lifelong companion, my source of comfort, and one of the greatest inspirations of my life.

From growing up in Ohio to studying in England, working in New York and London, opening Round World Music in San Francisco, hosting radio programs, and eventually becoming a teacher in Miami, music has been a constant thread running through my life. It has introduced me to extraordinary people, opened doors I never expected, and helped me through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Today, music remains a kind of personal therapy for me. It gives me purpose, brings back memories, and reminds me of who I am beyond the disease.

I am incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated medical team, a supportive family, and caring friends who have helped me along the way. After a lengthy two-year process, I was finally approved for disability benefits in 2025. Even with that assistance, however, the financial burden of living with Parkinson’s continues to grow.

Medical appointments, medications, therapies, specialized care, and potential future treatments — including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) — can be extremely expensive.

My Goal Is to Keep Going

My goal is simple: to remain as healthy, independent, and active as possible for as long as I can.

I want to continue working on my book, The Happenstance of Music: The Music of Happenstance. I want to organize the lifetime of music archives and family history I’ve accumulated over the years. And most importantly, I want to make the most of the years ahead — continuing to learn, create, connect, and contribute.

That is why I am asking for your help.

Your contribution will help with the ongoing costs of living with Parkinson’s, including medical expenses, medications, therapies, specialized care, and potential future treatment options.

Every contribution, as little as $10, makes a difference. And if you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with others would mean just as much to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring, and for helping me continue this journey.

As Curtis Mayfield sang, I intend to keep on keeping on.

Family and friends of Robert Leaver are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a catastrophic illness. Robert has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.