Beyond the Game: Cherie Zaun inspires others with Parkinson's Disease

WALES (WITI) -- 1.5 million people have Parkinson's Disease -- more than multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy combined -- and there is an unusually high incidence of Parkinson's in Milwaukee. Cherie Zaun is leading a rich life with Parkinson's, and wants to encourage others to do the same.

The Dempsey family was gifted with the athletic gene.

Catcher Rick Dempsey was the 1983 World Series MVP with the Baltimore Orioles. After toiling as a Minor League pitcher, brother Pat Dempsey became a three-time world long-driving champion. Gregg Zaun, their nephew, was a catcher in the Big Leagues for 16 seasons, which included a stint with the Brewers.

Then, there's Cherie Zaun -- Gregg's mom, and the sister of Rick and Pat. She's the pro-golfer in the family.

The first time Cherie hit a golf ball was on a little course in Freeport, Illinois, behind her house. A good athlete in her early 20s, and the mother of two children, she needed to get out of the house.

Cherie became the first player on the Ladies Tour who had children. Then, she hit a crossroads in life, and chose to stay at home with her children.

10 years later, Cherie came back to the game she loved so much.

Then, Zaun was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. But her diagnosis wasn't going to keep Zaun off the fairway of life for long!

If there isn't a cure for Parkinson's Disease in her lifetime, Zaun says she wants to be a part of the journey to find one. She travels around the country speaking and appearing at charity golf outings -- including one for the Wisconsin Parkinson Association Tuesday, June 4th at the Legend of Brandybrook in Wales, which is open to the public.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Wisconsin Parkinson Association.