My PD Story

Read the below stories for inspiration and hope about people with Parkinson's:

Joyce

It’s also important to think of a blessing each day. There are always blessings.

Bruce

In 2020, another outlet for dealing with Parkinson’s found me: music.

Ross

Slowly, I began appreciating that a new dawning was coming.

Kelly

I nominated her for this award to tell her, ‘I see what you’re doing, and I applaud you.’

Sen. Isakson

You can beat anything you understand and commit yourself to.

Alexandra

Tai Chi significantly improved my balance, ability to remain relaxed and breath control.

Devi

I assure you that there is life after Parkinson’s, but the key is to get healthy and stay strong.

Mike

I don’t know if we will find a cure in my lifetime, but I want to be part of the process.

Josh

I was always looking for an outlet to express the importance of being charitable and not one cause means as much to me as Parkinson’s.

Teddy

The goal of telling my story is to help other folks who are close to giving up or feel there is no life after a PD diagnosis.

Suzann

I adapted to my abilities, used tools to help me and I showed PD that I am still able to hike!

Penn

I made a commitment to my dad that I would do everything in my power to try to find a cure for this disease.

Melissa

There are many small moments of great joy to be had. I fight for this and for my children who deserve a mom that inspires.

Peter

I want to share some tips for adjustments I have made that have been incredibly helpful.

John

Your involvement could change everything about how we study, treat and/or cure Parkinson’s disease!

Molly

I am a firm believer in whatever exercise program you can stick with is the best one for you.

Ruth

This was my journey, too, just as much as it was his.

Corey

I want individuals of the Parkinson’s and LGBTQ communities to know that there are people out there that care.

Joel

I’m grateful to have had bilateral DBS surgery to help manage my tremors, ongoing medication management.

Adam

My advice for anyone newly diagnosed is to stay active and involved with your hobbies and friends.

Tom

Being active has helped him slow the progression and we travel all the time!

Carey

I made the mistake of Googling Parkinson’s. The millions of results all seemed so negative...

Ripley

Owen looked up at me and said, "I know what you're trying to do, and I want you to know that I appreciate it."

Deepa

I woke up with a different perspective towards life. I started loving myself more than ever before.

Kristen

I wanted to give back to this Foundation that has helped so many of us.

Mark

The one thing I do know: the Alpha Male is gone. Who am I?

Nikita

I am 23 years old, and I have had Young Onset Parkinson's disease for three years.

Dean

Dean is a caregiver to his life partner, Bill Sabatino. Bill’s numerous medical issues were misdiagnosed and improperly treated.

Paula

I am not ashamed of my disease and will share my story to anyone that wants to listen.

Florencia

The diagnosis was like a bolt of lightning... I was in shock. There were so many questions that bounced around my head that I couldn't even cry.

Faye

Instead of wallowing in negativity, I vowed to find the best available therapies to help slow down the progression of my disease. I made a pact with myself to enjoy every moment of my life!

Donna

Dad and I began our care journey shortly after his Parkinson's diagnosis when I was so naive to believe all that was involved were shaky hands.

Dr. Howe Liu

Some of my Chinese patients living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area couldn’t understand the English materials. I decided to translate the library contents into Chinese.

Colleen

To me acceptance means understanding that PD is going to be with me for a long time, so I need to decide what kind of life I am going to have alongside this disease.

Elaine

Parkinson’s disease is an illness with an abundance of physical challenges, but I find writing about it to be quite liberating.

Jay

Over four decades later, the cost of my service to my country would be raised anew when exposure to Agent Orange caught up with me and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Todd

After several months of dwelling on things, I returned to rowing, albeit slower and more awkwardly than I’d like.

Phil

The greatest advice I can give to a person who has been recently diagnosed ... is to find someone that they can talk to.

Natasha

My research experience and my interactions with people with PD from all over the world have made me want to help in any way I can.

Tom

I was in such denial... I didn’t want to be identified as having Parkinson’s, at least not yet.

Ann

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016 and I found something I really enjoy doing... fundraising for Moving Day Milwaukee.

Brian

Physical therapy specializing in Parkinson’s saved my life as I know it.

Daniel

In a way, this time in our lives was a gift. Our family came together every chance we could.

Carolyn

My husband feels blessed to have gotten Parkinson’s... we would have never met this community of wonderful people all fighting for the same goal.

Samantha

Just remember to keep rolling with the punches. Take things day by day. Most important is to laugh often and educate others

Terri

Before I knew it, I was boxing on a regular basis and pushing back the symptoms of my Parkinson’s.

Lou

My Parkinson's has been determined to be a result of my exposure to Agent Orange.

Mike

Upon diagnosis, Parkinson’s motivated my resolve to live in ways that inspire. I am hopeful my story can inspire your resiliency and journey with Parkinson’s.

Karen

Rose is gone and we are left wondering “what could we have done?” How could we have not seen that she needed more help?

Allison

After 11 years of having Parkinson’s disease, I can’t really remember what my life was like without it.

Sharon

Going to a Parkinson’s conference was the turning point for me. I found that there were a lot of other people like me, who were living well with PD.

Natalie

Throughout the 11 years he lived with Parkinson’s, my dad never let PD define who he was.

Richard

Richard continues to inspire his family and friends to do a little more and be grateful.

Shelley

Life will get harder, but we will work harder. We will never give up on HOPE.

Debbie

Do not be afraid. We are all scared, but it’s less scary dancing in the rain with someone else at your side.

Luca

Sixteen years with Parkinson’s, and I’m still doing Jiu Jitsu... Get up and fight, find the champion in you.

Cindy

I have Parkinson’s. When I ROCK I know that... Everything will be alright!

Marcie

I was stunned. I was in my early 50's and a PD diagnosis was the last thing I expected.

Hanah

The disease really changed my grandma before she underwent DBS surgery. After the surgery, she was able to be herself again.

Patti

In the beginning, PD only slowed Patti down a little. She continued to work five years after being diagnosed.

Dr. Subramanian

Having a purpose in life is central to the human condition. I feel lucky to have found my purpose in caring for veterans with PD.

William

When William was first diagnosed, he did not know the life-changing affects Parkinson's would soon have on him.

Gregory

Parkinson's is a disease exploding on the world by numbers... it needs Ambassadors to society, and I am one of them.

Lauren

I asked myself, “How can I gain from having this disease?” I'm talking material gain, not sympathy...

Larry

In many respects, my life today is more meaningful, rewarding and fulfilling than any time before my diagnosis.

Paul

We must take control of our destiny ― although it is a destiny different than what we imagined.

Brian

For me it was as beneficial as I could have hoped for. I would do DBS again in a heartbeat.

Ellen

On January 29, 2018, my life changed forever as we sat in the doctor’s office waiting for confirmation. I was 52.

Alicia

I chose to share my diagnosis openly, and it has been helpful to me and my mental health. Through this, I have made many connections.

George

My Mother, Sharon Ackerman, had Parkinson’s. As her son, along with her entire family, we experienced Parkinson’s by her side.

Nan

It is important to be open to learning continuously, not only from doctors and other expert sources, but also from the patient.

Heather

I found out people have a predisposed opinion of what the disease should look like, which is not a young woman in her early 40s who wore makeup.

Bob

I had experienced a number of Parkinson's signs and symptoms for more than 20 years, but none of my caregivers pieced it together.

Ava

Although my grandfather is now in stage 4 of Parkinson’s and is unable to walk and talk, he still never ceases to amaze me.

Jerry

When it comes to living with Parkinson’s as a veteran, I agree with the theme ‘Don't Set Limits on Unlimited Potential.’

John

For 12 years I shuttled from one specialist to another... but none of them ever suggested Parkinson’s.

Kristen

Moral of my story is don’t ever give up or let this disease get you down in any way.

Forest

My mom has had Parkinson’s for more than 20 years and she has not given up.

Bonnie

It is unbelievably awesome that there are so many people who come to participate in Moving Day and contribute to the cause.

Richard

I want to help in any way possible to improve treatment and hopefully find a cure someday soon!

Fred

I am content knowing that Parkinson’s is what I have, not who I am.

Rachel

As this day and every day concludes, I am reminded of the gift of time and just how precious it is.

John

I will describe the top seven ways I defy and embrace Parkinson’s

Bill

I learned to fight back and now I needed to give back

Carol

We try not to focus on the “what was” and live in the “what is” of life, the joys and blessings of what we have.

Bob

Moving Day is like a second Christmas in our family.

Steven

If I have Parkinson's and can compete on a National level, you too can do ANYTHING you want.

Julie

I choose to fight back vigorously. PD messed with the wrong girl.

Anna

There was no room on my TO DO List for Parkinson’s.

Richard

I could relish my accomplishments and not bemoan my limitations.

Frederick

The thought occurred to me, donate a portion of each sales to find a cure, thus my motto, Art for Parkinson's.

Deuk

Actively help promote what we are all hopeful of someday, a cure for PD. Every person’s involvement counts.

Monica

I am a mother first and always. If I have to crawl to do it, I will, and I have.

Johnnie

I am so proud to call him my husband, friend and my forever person.

Lisa

Eventually you realize, you are not alone, you never were, and you never will be.

Dick

Family adventures took on a new meaning when Dick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Ann

I kept reminding him, “we will deal with whatever comes.”

Deanne

The walk will always remind us of a man we loved deeply and who taught us so much about how to live.

Caroline

The best gift he gave me was always being happy to see me. No daughter could hope for more.

Paul

Parkinson’s may in part define what I am — a stubborn 17-year survivor — but it does not define who I am.

Ruth

Anything we can do to help other families dealing with Parkinson’s gives us hope, a reason to do more and to help others fight.

Ben

The best thing anyone can do for people with Parkinson’s is to not give up on them.

Anne

We will continue to run for people with Parkinson's because this disease is a marathon, not a sprint.

Jim

Be thankful for what you have and live with the comfort of knowing that that’s a blessing.

Niall

Drumming is a therapeutic pastime that allows you express your feelings through the music.

Alan

I've lived my life with PD in addition to humor, energy, music, attitude and pills.

James

It's a funny thing about decisions, you never have to talk yourself into the right ones.

Evan

Watching my parents push through Parkinson ’s inspired me to give back and hopefully inspire them.

Dr. Gonzales

My work with the Parkinson’s Foundation serves as my fuel.

Roberta

Roberta lives in a small town, but her passion and perseverance in serving her Parkinson’s community is anything but small.

Kim

I have a son. I have been through so much and there is no way I can give up.

Kristy

His strength lives in me. He would want other people going through what he went through to hear his story.

Abigail

I keep reminding myself everyone has a battle they struggle with in life and mine happens to be PD.

George

While bowling the 811 series was exciting, my biggest thrill is staying mobile.

Monica

I decided once and for all — this disease will NOT conquer me, I will conquer it!

Ideliza

I want to be able to see Dad smile again and have him say, “WE DID IT!”

Debbie

If I had one piece of advice to give to a newly diagnosed person, it would be EXERCISE! And LIVE. I know I am.

Gary

I feel like golf has been the perfect par-scription for me. Pun intended.

Jennifer

I received the gift of a better life since my diagnosis, and this became my “why.”

Gene

This story is written on behalf of Joan Schneider, my wife, mother of two, grandmother of five.

Greg

Life takes unpredictable twists and turns. The true test of toughness and resilience is best measured during the most challenging times.

Richard

One of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to deal with emotionally is asking “Why Me?”

Brady

I know where my life is supposed to go. I know that I am here to help people with Parkinson's.

Dave

Either I have control over my disease or it controls me.

Leah

My grandfather was the most gentle, selfless and strong man who fought his disease in good spirits.

Jeff

Anything you can do to create awareness around Parkinson’s and what boxing can do to benefit those with PD, is well worth it.

Dottie

Dottie, Romeo and Bob were active in the PD community from the beginning of their PD journey.

Leslie

It was comforting to see that they all manage their PD and go on with their lives.

Lori

Asking about him reminds us that you are thinking about him.

Christina

It was comforting to see that they all manage their PD and go on with their lives.

Joseph

There are always people that set the standard for maintaining the upper hand on this disease, just like my mum.

Cynthia

Since I looked healthy, no one believed I had PD.

Jeanie

My grandmother was a woman of extreme strength, courage and love who may be gone from our sight, but is at peace.

Ellie

Unbeknownst to both, it was a matter of time before they would make their way to the PD community.

Chris

I came to accept I have a movement disorder, so I thought I’d be able to accept a future where my body would be a problem, but my mind remained intact.

Bonnie

Doctor's figured Bonnie's onset began at 18. She was diagnosed at 23. She's now 58.

Jeremy

Balancing medications against side effects was becoming trickier...

Jessica

"Every day presented a different challenge. But my father didn't let Parkinson's win."

Anthony

Mount Everest is only one of the seven summits Anthony is climbing to raise Parkinson’s awareness.

Janet

"It was dark. Very dark. And something was moving around the end of my bed making noises..."

Jill

"I take care of my mom and she takes care of dad. We work together as a family."

Laureen

"I will not let this disease get us down. I am still me and I have a life to live to the fullest."

Skyler

"My dealings with Parkinson's started at a young age."

John

"I am living—and thriving—in spite of a dreaded diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease."

Laura

"Would you go back to your previous life, when you were healthy and worked in an office, or stay in this life?"

Shanna

"I don't know all the answers or what to expect in the future, but I know I must keep educating myself to be prepared."

Amy

In just eight days Amy ran two marathons for her father and Parkinson's awareness.

Mauro

"Being strong these days is not an option: it's a must."

Iris

"I’ve really come full circle with the help of the Foundation."

Martin

"Parkinson's might have slowed my walking pace, but it opened my eyes to see."

Tim

When a car accident left Tim in critical care, his free Aware in Care hospitalization kit helped save his life.

Anicea

A PT, Anicea's video went viral when her patient went from having a hard time walking using a walker to dancing!

Lee

Some days I wonder if my illness has made me a better person. The answer is YES.

Tammy

"My father may not have his mobility or his voice anymore, however together we are fighting to KnockOut PD!"

Rob

"I know that no matter what, I'm going to make it through. I have faith that I'll see a cure in my lifetime! Fight's On!"

Annie

"I know that my mom is never going to give up, give in and accept this uncertain fate sitting down."

Ralph

"I have really gotten a lot from participating in these groups, which have helped me in dealing with my PD."

Carolyn

"You can’t let this disease give you a reason not to do things. You just have to do it your way."

Connie

"Children are often curious when they see my symptoms and this is my attempt to lightly introduce the subject."

Sara

“Every drug that has been prescribed to my dear old dad cannot give him the joy and stimulation of the great outdoors.”

Stephanie

“I want to help others learn to love and accept Parkinson’s in their life and make it their own.”

John

“Parkinson’s gave me a sense of urgency to get my life in order like never before."

Rebecca

"I have Parkinson’s, but still teach Parkinson’s exercise classes. The classes are vigorous and challenging, but always rewarding."

Renice

Misdiagnosed in 2002 with multiple sclerosis, Renice's journey with Parkinson's is a heart-warming lesson in positive thinking.

Sarah

"Instead, don't ask, just listen. Hold me while I'm silent in thought about father-daughter moments robbed from me."

Nell

"Fighting Parkinson’s disease IS about how you choose to respond to whatever it throws at you."

Glenn

It has been more than 16 years since I felt defeated by Parkinson's disease (PD).

Bill

I believe that running on all kinds of trails, rocks, dirt, roots and mud forces my mind to develop new pathways...

Mariëtte

"The great thing about getting a nasty disease is that you start to appreciate the little things in life..."

Kellyn

Moving Day® shows us that we are not alone and reminds us that Parkinson's will not defeat us.

Mary Ann

Caring for people who see or believe things that are not real can be emotionally draining.

Nalini

It began with a tremor in my left hand — my only symptom at the time.

Kevin

Tremble Clefs helped Dad strengthen his vocal muscles- his memory lives on through my voice.

Wendy

Spoiler: This story has a positive ending!...

Brad

Brad can’t slow down. He works full time managing more than 600 clients and millions...

Terri

"I am concerned about you,” she said, “You remind me of me." I immediately knew...

Larry

I realized that my attitude was the key factor in accepting I had PD and that I had to meet what challenges lie ahead.

Ray

Does having Parkinson’s disease (PD) embarrass you? It did me! It all started in June 2008...

Jody

My mom’s initial symptoms were common for people with Parkinson’s: rigidity and slowness of movement.

Allyson

I am back in the river this summer, three and a half years past my diagnosis of tremor dominant Parkinson’s.

Cristina

My father’s Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms first manifested as fatigue. He would get exhausted just from walking...

Frances

As a pyrotechnician I get cut, I fix it, I cut it open again, I get stitches. It’s done. Sorry is not a solution.

Rae

At 15, I fell in love with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony when I first played...

Jeff

I can say with confidence that, without DBS, I would not be walking today.

Sharon

My big question was, "What am I going to do with all that time on my hands?" The answer: doodles.

Vera

Research shows that many people with PD have an explosion of creativity...

John

In those 33 years I have run numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons and, at 51, my first marathon.

Makenzie

My father, Dudley, kept me accountable for my training as I did for his.

Christian

When the struggle is all you know, fighting becomes natural and quitting becomes impossible.

Jerry

Why not start taking control today? You’ll begin to feel better faster than you think...

Hiih

This movement disorder was overpowering the left side of my body. I had trouble...

Mike

I'm not a fool. I have experienced the dark depression of a major disability...

Stephanie

I had my first telemedicine appointment with my movement disorder specialist today....

Shirley

Shirley Bealor drives 120 miles roundtrip to see her movement disorder specialist...

Stephanie

I have a double whammy when it comes to my most prominent symptoms....

Megan

Shortly before I left for college, my grandma and I had a long conversation about...

Melanie & Stephen

When one doctor told them something couldn't be done, they went to another.

Mary

Five years ago I was told I had Parkinson's disease I'd be in a wheelchair within five years.

Colin

Through the lens of a son living 3,000 miles away I saw the disease take over in stages.

Birgitta

When Kristina Durham visited her mother, Birgitta Vagenius, she couldn’t believe what she saw...

Suzanne

Don’t stop life because of Parkinson’s...I’m still working on my bucket list!

Frankie

When you go to the doctor you get good news or bad news. For my dad it was bad.

Brian

"They say God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors and I knew Tim was a warrior."

Natalie

I am a fighter! I thought I would never say those words because I am a lover not a fighter, but I had to change.

James

When I was in school I was a body builder and a health nut. I took martial arts...

Jennifer

Fifteen years ago, right after I graduated from college, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Jennifer

I was scared when a movement specialist told me I had PD... How would I take care of my family?

Alex

I was shocked to see his transformation due to Parkinson's disease...I wanted to do something for him.

Kevin

Kevin devised a way to skydive using one arm, setting set a new record for one-armed skydives.

Alan

I have PD and I have a friend in recently diagnosed... I wrote him the following poem.

Diane

Jay’s PD progressed unexpectedl-, seeing black cats all over the house that were not really there.

Ric

I wanted to scream. Inside I was saying what am I going to do, how will I survive, how will I end up?

Allison

I wish to break boundaries. I want people with PD to realize this disease can be controlled to a major extent by exercise.

Tom

Having Parkinson's saved my life. I realize some people may be thinking "are you crazy?"

Brenda

"I don't sit in pain. I paint through it or walk through it. I fight and challenge it every minute of every day."

Jean

Jean wrote a series of 16 poems documenting her experience with the disease.

Marlena

I'm stubborn and realized that if something or someone was going to help my husband it would have to be me.

Robert

I spent 26 years trying to stay...out of the public view. Now I am speaking up.

Scott

“It’s just that you don’t realize how strong the depression is going to hit,” Scott said...

Francis

I was born in 1955 and now live in Liège, Belgium. In short, I have lived a full life, with a permanent...

Kenneth

(We) participated at Moving Day® Boston-for the first time since I can remember, I saw my dad smile...

Philip

This story is about my dad, Philip. He was the most beautiful human being I have ever known..

Daryl

My journey with Parkinson's disease (PD) started when I was a young combat Marine...

Todd

In honor of my cute husband, I am participating in Moving Day® Chicago walk to...

Geraldine

My PD story is of my wonderful mother, Geraldine Hayes, who sadly passed on...

Emilia

My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2004. At first, none of my family...

Supereena

The best way I can give back is to educate people about this disease. If people knew...

Theresa

Theresa Snoeyenbos, 50, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when she was 32...

Pat

Three days a week, Pat Murney dons a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt and heads to a movement...

Rosie

"There are moments which mark your life...when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is...

Larry

Vigorous exercise has most definitely improved my gait and given me an overall feeling of taking back...

Beth

The Grand Canyon gave me a reason to get up and get going every day, and not give in to apathy...

Marty

It was as though I was helpless, powerless to stop the disease that was affecting someone...

Angie

After her husband Dan was diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson's disease six years ago, at the...

Kay

Now I can cut my own food, dress myself and dance with my husband. I have a future to look forward...

Althea

Moving Day® is a vehicle to make a huge impact. It focuses on what people can do, celebrates...

Karen

When Karen Anderson's husband, Roger, went into the hospital to undergo surgery for a herniated...

Betty

For decades, Betty and Rick did more than just "deal" with Parkinson's; they carved out a full life...

Wendell

I want to tell everyone that it is possible to fight this disease, smile at yourself and hold off the inevitable...

Michele

I noticed a slight, persistent tremor in my right hand. Being a medical professional I...

Dan

It was 15 years ago when our family doctor told us that my wife Jeanne was showing signs and...

Todd

I felt like someone had reached into my chest and squeezed all the air out of my lungs...

Ken

I have a brother-in-law who never wants to go back either, but he has his reasons, he fought in...

Frankie

My first thought is my grandfather Frank who I am named after, he was diagnosed...

Penny

My mother was my hero in so many ways! She accepted and dealt with Parkinson's disease...

Hero

I bounced back after discovering a secret recipe for fighting Parkinson's, which consisted of...

Sam

I was 66 when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. However, looking back I had...

Cherie

It's been nearly two years, but it feels like yesterday when the doctor told me I have Parkinson's...

Bonnie

Insecurity, reluctance and a need for education felt like a whirlwind of uncertainty at the beginning of...

Kelly

I am here to tell you, it's ok, you don't need to surrender to this sly disease that sneaks up...

Eleanor

My limits are my own. Even with my "resident taskmaster", PD, I have some say in how...

Randy

It was after noticing a slight tremor in my left hand that I decided to go to the doctor. This doctor was a...

John

Muhammad Ali, Pope John Paul II, John Baumann, Michael J. Fox. Wait a second- what do...

Lizbeth

My father was diagnosed with Parkinson's close to his 80th birthday. It was a shock to my family...

Linda

Dear Parkinson's Disease: Please be kind to my family and me. We did not really extend an invitation...

Greg

I was asked to tell the story of how I overcame adversity. You see, I was diagnosed with...

Monica

It's very much like people who stutter and can't talk fluidly, but they can sing. How can that be?...

Allison

I ran 40 miles on my 40th birthday to raise money and awareness for Parkinson's...

David

I was 46 years old when diagnosed with PD in 1996 and have since been tenuously hanging...

Javier

When I first found out that I had Young Onset Parkinson's I didn't have the words to...

Jane

It was a tough time in our lives three years ago. Gary was beginning to consider getting...

Marilyn

Since 2002, I struggled with Three 'D's. DIAGNOSIS, DENIAL and DEPRESSION. It took...

Leo

Leo Narcisse Robichaud was born in St. Charles, New Brunswick. For twenty-two years he...

Kathi

One recent morning, I woke up shaking. More like vibrating, actually. The sensation reminded me...

Rich

It was just past midnight on March 14, 1996. I began the day strapped into the crew compartment of...

Robert

It was Christmas morning, 2004. I had just spent the loneliest night of my life on what had always...

Paul

I kicked my legs and thrashed my arms during vivid dreams of physical activity, and my dear...

Phil

I was first diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2006 at the age of 44. At the time, I had several...

Kate

My name is Kate Ward and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in September 1999. I've had...

Margaret

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 69. My life prior had been very full, challenging...

Anne

I have known Kristina Wedding-Taylor, a fellow high school teacher, since she was fourteen...

Jackie

As my oldest son Alex's high school graduation day nears, I am stressing out over a day which...