Hey everyone! I’m Jo Ann Jones, Darrell Hill’s older sister, and Amy Partin Hill’s sister-in-law. I’m reaching out on behalf of myself and the entire support system for this unique couple.

I was thrilled to receive a baby brother in 1971; we were inseparable the first few years of Darrell’s life, forming an unbreakable bond. No matter how many miles or months come between us, we’re always there for each other. I’m heartbroken to live several states away while my brother is in the fight of his life. I’m very thankful for Amy. His wife, my sister-in-law for the 2nd time. Yes! They first said ‘I Do’ in 2001, barefoot on the sand in Ormond Beach, Florida. Sadly, they divorced in 2009. But after 16 years of being divorced – lots of tears, and miles, and rebuilding trust, they said ‘I Do – Always Did’ in a simple ceremony on May 4, 2025. Amy and Darrell are modeling sickness and health, better or worse, richer or poorer in real life.

Friends and loved ones have asked how to help as Darrell and Amy crisscross the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally. By 2050, everyone will either know someone with PD or will be someone with PD. There is no cure. Not yet. We encourage you to find more info on this devastating disease at michaeljfox.org.

I’m setting up this GoFundMe to help offset some of the financial burdens they face: 1. Medical and Surgical Expenses not covered by insurance. Darrell has had more than 60 medical appointments the past two years, and he will have frequent appointments for 6-12 months following his brain surgery; 2. Loss of Amy’s Primary Income for the foreseeable future. About 18 months ago, Amy stepped away from her 25-year career in long-term-care and specialty pharmacy to focus on caring for Darrell full time as his healthcare advocate, pharmacy and insurance liaison, medication manager, appointment coordinator/attendant, even his balance buddy as they walk for his muscle strengthening. She’s perfect for this one-on-one role; 3. Transition From Employed Status to Disabled Status for Darrell if the surgeries/medications don’t improve his PD as hoped. That will result in a major loss of income.

Funny. Smart. Helpful. Caring husband. Good friend. Treasured brother. At only 54 years old, Darrell is young for PD. And it’s a thief. Diagnosed three years ago at age 51, his health is robbed daily – all day, every day unless he's sleeping – by worsening symptoms including severe dystonia foot pain, poor balance, stiff muscles, slow gait, constant shaking and weakness in his left hand and arm that make it impossible to do two-handed tasks, fatigue, anxiety, and others. Memory and focus are declining. Darrell rates his Quality of Life on the QoL Scale as 2 out of 10. Every day.

Darrell still goes to the job he loves. It’s not easy. But he’s a multi-talented geospatial analyst for a large city on Florida’s west coast. They say one of the best in his field. He’s also an Emergency Responder who reports for duty immediately following severe storms/hurricanes to assess damage around the city, relaying information to the Emergency Operations Center to request road-clearing crews to begin cleanup as soon as weather permits on city roads. The city appreciates him and relies on his expertise. He doesn’t want Parkinson’s to steal his job.

Darrell’s PD is no longer responding to medication, even at high dosing. After a lengthy assessment process, he was cleared to have 2-part Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery with University of South Florida Neurosurgery/Tampa General Hospital (a national leader in DBS surgery) in mid-August 2025. During the 6-8 hour surgery, electrodes will be implanted in his brain.

Two weeks later a pulse generator similar to a pacemaker will be placed in his chest. And two weeks after that, the system will be activated. The impulses hopefully will regulate his abnormal brain activity. This is his best chance at 5-8 years of improved symptoms and delayed debility.

United Healthcare has yet to approve the surgery. There won’t be a decision until the first week of August. Very stressful. This surgery is not optional. And it’s not a cure. But it’s critical to his regaining quality of life higher than a 2. Even if it means paying out of pocket.

Through all the pain, trials, and research the past two years, my brother and sister-in-law remain strong in their faith, trying their best to be both positive and realistic, knowing they don’t fight alone. God is in the midst. But they need community support for the first time ever. It was only through a couple of heart-to-heart phone talks that I even knew about the financial struggle. It’s not something they talk about. I know it was difficult for them to tell me, and I’m so glad they did.

It’s been quite a substantial hit without Amy’s income. They never complain or ask for help.

They still share with others and celebrate their loved ones. They cautiously gave themselves permission to celebrate their remarriage and 25 years of enjoying Disney World – mostly together. Living only two hours away, they visited Disney for a long weekend with a tight stick-to budget and a big ‘thumbs up’ from the USF surgery team to ride some thrill rides one more time since Darrell won’t be able to do that after DBS surgery. Even using a mobility scooter for the first time, turns out Darrell’s limitations were pretty steep, so instead of Test Track and the other favorites, they spent extra time in the hotel pool and had some long-overdue naps and lunches together. They cozily rode the monorail for the millionth time. They’re happy they tried.

These guys have always worked hard, volunteered, been givers before takers. For decades.

They’re the helpers who run toward an emergency every time.

They’re the ones who quietly pack dozens of lunches and water and socks and head downtown on Thanksgiving to serve those Amy calls ‘my lunch people.’

They’ve implemented big and small steps the past two years to relieve some financial stress. They sold Amy’s car in 2024 and continue to share one vehicle. They’ve houseshared with a good friend for the past year to split expenses, and in October will be moving after Darrell has recovered for 7-8 weeks. They continue to tweak and tighten wherever possible. But now with weeks or months of unpaid recovery time, upcoming moving expenses looming, and Darrell’s reliance on Amy for probably the next year, they’re finding it impossible to stay ahead of the curveball no one saw coming three years ago.

Please consider making a donation (anonymously if preferred) to help them get back up. The starting goal is modest – $10,000. Hopefully, we can increase the goal over time and raise enough to cover lost wages and living expenses in 2026 to let them focus on Darrell regaining his health.

Your donation will be meticulously managed by me, Jo Ann, and will go toward surgical and medical bills, upcoming moving expenses, unpaid FMLA leave, and monthly household expenses during the next 6-12 months while Darrell recovers with Amy’s assistance.

Amy is confident that God has improved health ahead for Darrell, and with that, she will be able to return to the job that she loves – compassionately caring for patients in long-term nursing care or for those with complicated illnesses. She’s perfect for that role, too. And she also looks forward to contributing once again to the financial wellness she and Darrell have enjoyed in the past.

Even if you can’t give, please share the link with your friends and social media groups. We are committed to increasing awareness on this life-robbing disease called Parkinson's. Your prayers, shares, and encouragement mean so much. Thank you for holding this unique couple close and for carrying some of their burden. This is what love looks like. God Bless.