Read the below stories for inspiration and hope about people with Parkinson's:
Tyaisha
Parkinson’s stretches you. It can force you to do things that you never thought you'd have the ability to do.
Susan
The Foundation has provided a framework for me to focus on putting a face to Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Leila Montaser Kouhsari
We see our patients over many years and we build a relationship with them and their families, which is very beautiful.
Patrick
I did not talk to anyone about my time in Vietnam. My stock answer was what you hear many veterans say: "I'm fine," and we know that reply means: They are not fine.
Michael
Dad hoped his gift would advance research for a cure. It was important to him to keep people from having to go through what he went through.
Michael
With Parkinson’s, there are lots of uncertainties and challenging aspects, so it always feels good to do something uplifting together.
Tom and Ceil
This was the type of personal connection that helped make the Parkinson's Foundation part of their team.
Jamie and Wendy
Every step taken, and every dollar raised ensures we are that much closer to finding a cure for Parkinson’s.
Charles
Parkinson's disease is not an easy diagnosis to hear or to maneuver, but it is maneuverable.
Shirley
Our goal is to make life as good as it can be while researchers continue the hunt for the cause of Parkinson’s and the cure!
Brenda
She and her husband have been thrown every curveball in the book, but she never stops learning and adapting.
Devi
I assure you that there is life after Parkinson’s, but the key is to get healthy and stay strong.
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.
John
Your involvement could change everything about how we study, treat and/or cure Parkinson’s disease!
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.
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.
Dean
Dean is a caregiver to his life partner, Bill Sabatino. Bill’s numerous medical issues were misdiagnosed and improperly treated.
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.
Ann
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016 and I found something I really enjoy doing... fundraising for Moving Day Milwaukee.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Rachel
As this day and every day concludes, I am reminded of the gift of time and just how precious it is.
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.
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.
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.
Anne
We will continue to run for people with Parkinson's because this disease is a marathon, not a sprint.
Evan
Watching my parents push through Parkinson ’s inspired me to give back and hopefully inspire them.
Roberta
Roberta lives in a small town, but her passion and perseverance in serving her Parkinson’s community is anything but small.
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.
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.
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.
Brady
I know where my life is supposed to go. I know that I am here to help people with Parkinson's.
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.
Joseph
There are always people that set the standard for maintaining the upper hand on this disease, just like my mum.
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.
Anthony
Mount Everest is only one of the seven summits Anthony is climbing to raise Parkinson’s awareness.
Laureen
"I will not let this disease get us down. I am still me and I have a life to live to the fullest."
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."
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!
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.”
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."
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.
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.
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.
Sharon
My big question was, "What am I going to do with all that time on my hands?" The answer: doodles.
Christian
When the struggle is all you know, fighting becomes natural and quitting becomes impossible.
Birgitta
When Kristina Durham visited her mother, Birgitta Vagenius, she couldn’t believe what she saw...
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.
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.
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.
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."
Marlena
I'm stubborn and realized that if something or someone was going to help my husband it would have to be me.
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..
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...
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...
Ken
I have a brother-in-law who never wants to go back either, but he has his reasons, he fought in...
Hero
I bounced back after discovering a secret recipe for fighting Parkinson's, which consisted of...
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...
Randy
It was after noticing a slight tremor in my left hand that I decided to go to the doctor. This doctor was a...
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...
Monica
It's very much like people who stutter and can't talk fluidly, but they can sing. How can that be?...
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...
Margaret
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 69. My life prior had been very full, challenging...
Jackie
As my oldest son Alex's high school graduation day nears, I am stressing out over a day which...
