Son takes dad with Parkinson’s to JCPenney for unusual reason — and it's a core memory he'll never forget

In a video posted on Instagram by Brett Karabinos (@brettkarabinos), he and his father stepped in front of the camera together, something they had never done before. Brett explained that his 77-year-old dad had never had a professional photoshoot in his life, so he booked one with JCPenney and brought him along. This day, however, was about more than the photos; it was about time, presence, and preserving a connection through a memory that would probably be their last.

"My dad was 48 years old when he had me. Today he is 77," Karabinos explained in the video, sharing a photo of his father and him as a baby. He further explained that a few years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative condition affecting the nervous system and muscle control, which impacts roughly 0.5–1 % of people aged 65–69, rising to 1–3 % among those over 80. More recently, his condition was complicated further by dementia. The transition has been especially painful given the life his father once led. "My dad was an athlete his whole life. Taught physical education, became a chiropractor, and even played on a baseball team till his early 70s. He has really been struggling with losing autonomy over his mind and body," Brett explained.

Brett acknowledged the emotional toll, saying he couldn’t fully articulate what it’s been like to watch his father decline. Still, he’s focused on staying present and creating new memories with him, however small or simple they may seem. After flipping through old photos one day, Brett asked his father if he had ever been professionally photographed. When he said no, Brett scheduled a shoot and decided to go with him. The video captures quiet, personal moments before the shoot — Brett helping his dad dress, adjusting his shirt, supporting his weight as they prepared to leave the house. The two are later seen smiling in the car, showing thumbs up on the way to the studio.

There, they posed side by side, dressed alike, standing and sitting together while holding onto each other, physically and emotionally. At the end, they reviewed the images on-screen, both visibly proud of how they'd turned out. A note at the end of the video reads, "Thank you to JCPenney as well. We’re super happy with how these turned out. 10/10 recommend." At the end, Karabinos delivered a beautiful message, "This is your sign to love the people around you. Hold them tight & say or do all the things you want with them before it’s too late. I love you, Dad."

The video struck a chord with the viewers, and they filled the comment section with a lot of support and admiration. @jacobkwilson wrote, "I’m so, so sorry, baby boy. My dad is going through the same currently with Parkinson’s as well. I am here with and for you — seriously. If you ever need to talk, my DMs are open." @v_rios15 said, "So beautiful of you to do this, and a perfect way to create a core memory for both of you." @devonvale commented, "I’m sobbing and giggling at the spray tan too. My boy! You both are so happy here." @brittneycrush noted, "Him holding and hugging up on you made me so teary-eyed. You can just feel the love and how much he knows you love him. So beautiful. Thanks for sharing."

You can follow Brett Karabinos (@brettkarabinos) on Instagram for more daily life and dance content.