For Randy, curiosity and critical thinking have been at the center of his life’s journey, from navigating early education challenges to pioneering materials science innovations, and eventually, to managing life with Parkinson’s disease. His story is one of understanding, perseverance, and finding clarity in the face of life-altering change.
Born and raised in New York City, Randy’s early years were shaped by both challenge and promise. At age eight, he was sent to a special school because he struggled with reading, though his talent for math was quickly recognized. “They said I was bright, just uninterested in reading,” Randy recalls. “They taught me how to think, not just memorize facts, but how to analyze and break things down. That mindset shaped everything.”
Early on, Randy moved to New Jersey, where he would later meet his future wife through a country club. In a twist of fate, he initially hesitated to ask her out, mistakenly believing she was married, only to learn it was actually her twin sister! Their relationship blossomed over frequent weekend trips into NYC, where they shared meals and memories. “She eventually asked if I was ever going to propose, so I did.”
In 1999, Randy began working with a compound that would shape the next 25 years of his life. He stabilized it and found ways to integrate it into garments and insulation, even developing a vacuum-sealed foam with buoyancy, which is useful for everything from clothing to battery protection to home construction. Despite some setbacks, his passion never wavered. “I decided the way to move forward is to constantly create something new.”
That same drive helped him face Parkinson’s disease when he was diagnosed in 2017, at age 69. One afternoon during a lunch break with a friend, he began experiencing unexpected symptoms. His friend brought him to a hospital, where overnight testing led to a possible diagnosis. When he called a neurologist’s office for confirmation, his sister-in-law reminded him that her son, Dr Falconer, was a specialist in Parkinson’s. Randy was seen the next day.
Dr Falconer became Randy’s go-to expert and care partner from that point on. Their relationship, both family and professional, became a trusted foundation as they worked together to find the right treatment plan. “I’ve had other neurologists before, people who didn’t even catch my diagnosis, but Dr Falconer took the time to listen and really understand what I was going through.”
Working with Dr Falconer, Randy began exploring treatment options. His initial experiences weren’t easy. In fact, some approaches didn’t sit well with him, but over time, he and his doctor found a path forward. Today, Randy takes CREXONT (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules three times daily. “We tried different timing. After about 10 hours, I’d start noticing symptoms again. Now, there’s roughly seven hours between doses, and it’s working well for me.”
Living with Parkinson’s has changed his day-to-day routine significantly. Simple tasks, like getting dressed, now take much longer. He’s cautious on the stairs, aware of his balance and gait. He’s also noticed that everything moves slowly, cooking, moving, thinking. But he hasn’t let that stop him. “You’re painfully aware of it every day. But my attitude is, I’m going to win this battle. I may not in reality, but I think I am.”
Randy still climbs rock walls, although less frequently, and plays pickleball with neighbors. He also treasures time with his family. His daughter, a nurse and healthcare leader, and his son, a web developer, both live nearby with their children. He sees his daughter’s family weekly for Sunday dinners, and visits his son’s family every couple of months. His grandchildren are the joy of his life, from his granddaughter’s incredible drawing talent to his youngest grandson’s boundless energy. “He’s happiest when someone’s chasing him around the house,” Randy laughs.
In 2020, Randy made another major change. He sold his Tudor-style home in New Jersey and moved into a modern home in a 55+ community to be closer to his daughter and to simplify his lifestyle during the pandemic. “It was the right time. The community here is amazing people genuinely look out for one another. It makes a huge difference.”
“I do tell them what’s helped me, and I always say, ‘Dr Falconer is the one who got me here.’ ”
He’s also passionate about staying informed and continues to read extensively about Parkinson’s. “There’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it is worthwhile. But I always ask Dr Falconer what’s new. When he suggested trying CREXONT, I trusted him, even though it was new.”
When asked why he’s sharing his story, Randy doesn’t hesitate: “People need to know there’s hope. There are new things coming out that can help people live better. The community needs to be enlightened. I want people to know they have options—and that things can get better.”
