‘Slow down, you crazy child’: Taking Billy Joel’s ‘Vienna’ to heart

“Slow down, you crazy child/ And take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while/ It’s all right, you can afford to lose a day or two/ When will you realize Vienna waits for you?” — Billy Joel, “Vienna”

Living with hypoparathyroidism is unpredictable, like being on a roller coaster. I never know what each day will bring, and that uncertainty can make the future seem unclear. Still, having support and my mom by my side helps me get through the tough days.

One of my favorite movies, “13 Going on 30,” has a scene in which the protagonist feels lost and takes a train to see her mom while the song “Vienna” plays. Sometimes I really need my mom, too, and the song reminds me of that. No matter how old I get, I’ll always need her.

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Jan. 26, 2026 by Bari Vapnek

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The warrior spirit

In 2024, while my mom was fighting for her life, I sat with her in the ICU. I talked to her and played songs from my playlist to help me cope, because music always calms me during tough times.

I talked to her about life. I promised that if she got better, I would take her on a special trip. Honestly, just imagining being anywhere other than that ICU room made me hope for a change of scenery.

Then, one amazing day, Mom woke up. The doctors removed her tubes, and we could both finally breathe again. She was free from the machines, and I was free from worry. That moment changed everything and reminded me how precious life is.

My mom listened as I talked about us traveling together. When I asked her where she wanted to go, she chose Vienna. Of all the places in the world, she picked Vienna.

I told her I had played Billy Joel’s “Vienna” for her every day in the ICU. That song always reminds me how much I need my mom and how quickly life can change.

I’m happy to share that my mom is doing well and is celebrating her 81st birthday this month! She’s a fighter, and I know I get my own strength from her.

While she was in the ICU, I was also facing my own health crisis due to hypoparathyroidism and having to adjust my dosage of Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide) after its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. I had to stay strong, and music helped me get through it.

Bari Vapnek and her mom, Marcia, celebrate life together. (Photo by Bari Vapnek)

Today, I’m excited to announce that we went ahead and booked a mother-daughter trip to Vienna. After all we’ve both been through, celebrating feels like the best way to honor our strength.

I also recently started Ascendis Pharma’s PaTHway60 Phase 3 clinical trial. I feel hopeful that going back to the Yorvipath dosage I received in the Phase 2 trial (the medication was known as TransCon PTH at the time) will help me feel well enough to travel to Europe. The trial means regular clinic visits, frequent blood tests, and daily symptom tracking, so the researchers can monitor my progress and adjust my dosage as needed.

Being in the trial means I check in often with my care team and follow a medication schedule, which can be hard when planning travel, especially with time zone changes.

Planning a long trip is hard because my calcium levels change every day. I never know how I’ll feel. Over time, I’ve learned to be ready: I keep my medications in a travel case, pack extra supplies for emergencies, and plan rest days between activities. I also check where the nearest hospitals and pharmacies are, just in case.

Looking forward to something helps me manage my hypopara, and I love watching the countdown to takeoff on my calendar. Having my mom’s support will help me feel safe when I’m far from home. I hope my serum calcium stays within the normal range so that we can explore, connect, and enjoy this special trip.

I can’t wait to experience and capture the world while enjoying life with my mom. It’s funny because when I asked an AI app what the song “Vienna” means, it responded: “A metaphorical message about slowing down, accepting aging, and realizing that ambition shouldn’t come at the cost of living.”

I am grateful I understand the importance of cherishing every moment. This Brave Butterfly will never stop fighting. Vienna, I can’t wait to see you! Thank you, Mom, for being my strength during hard times. Anything is possible!

Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is a strictly news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.