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Grab a coffee and pull up a chair for a deeply moving and inspiring episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Trina and Neil Merkel.

Neil, born in Edmonton and raised in Sherwood Park, and Trina, born and raised in Spruce Grove, first crossed paths in Calgary at the wedding of their respective best friends, who happened to be marrying each other. After staying connected following the big day, they began dating and eventually tied the knot, now fast approaching 22 years of marriage. Early on, Neil pursued forestry at the University of Alberta before pivoting to study mechanical engineering at NAIT, leading to a successful 22-year career. Trina studied travel at Grant MacEwan and worked as a travel agent before transitioning into administrative roles and waitressing, eventually dedicating her time to raising their son.

Their lives changed drastically when Neil noticed a persistent hand tremor. Initially dismissed as stress, persistent symptoms led to further testing and an official diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. Arriving during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the diagnosis forced them to adapt to a completely new reality. Supported by incredible friends and colleagues, Neil transitioned into semi-retirement while maintaining his passion for mechanical engineering alongside investment work with close friends.

In this episode, Neil shares how dedicated exercise classes and connecting with the local Parkinson's community became essential pillars of his health journey. Trina speaks openly about the realities of caregiving, the vital importance of maintaining a personal support system, and the powerful wake-up call of her own health scare three years ago that reinforced the necessity of self-care. Together, they discuss their recent month-long trip to Asia, how they focus on living every day to the fullest, and Neil’s active efforts to share his story on the news and at community events to inspire others navigating a tough diagnosis.

Tune in to hear Neil and Trina’s powerful story of love, resilience, and finding hope through life's unexpected twists, plus essential insights on living well with a diagnosis, the power of exercise, and learning to appreciate every single day.

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