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  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories)
 
  

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![Arman Farahvar in a photo with their family ](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Arman%20photo%20.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=z8wv3w42)  

 People with PD 

##  Arman Farahvar 

 

  Before my grandfather (Papa) was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) several years ago, my family noticed he was [losing his footing and falling](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/postural-instability "Postural Instability (Balance & Falls)") quite often. As an active person, it was very unlike him. After his diagnosis, he was still mobile. He needed to be supervised by me, a teenager at the time, but he could walk short distances and use the restroom. But progressively, it became so much worse.

Papa was one of the most prideful men I ever met, and his presence always stood strong. He commanded rooms. In a car, he was always the one behind the driver's seat. He threw the biggest parties! He had complete control of every aspect of his life.

But now he can now only speak few words at a time and needs assistance to walk. He has [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") — a PD symptom experienced by 50% of people with Parkinson’s — because he is socially isolated from the people he loves, and cannot communicate in depth with his family.

But I've also seen the moments of love and humbleness. He loves to have his family around him in this time of need, to hug him, to do things for him or to give him gifts. My little sister makes arts and crafts for him.

> He greatly appreciates every moment he has with us, his family. Just sitting down with him to watch a show means so much to him.

 ![Stand up for Parkinson's Comedy Night](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Stand%20up%20for%20Parkinson%27s%20Comedy%20Night.png?itok=dm1U-a6b)  Parkinson’s changed Papa forever. That’s why I help my uncle, comedian [Paul Farahvar](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/paul-farahvar "Paul Farahvar"), with his annual Stand Up For Parkinsons comedy night fundraiser. This unique event supports the Parkinson’s Foundation and directly helps people with Parkinson’s in our area as proceeds support the [Parkinson’s Foundation Midwest Chapter](/midwest "Midwest Chapter"). Everyone who comes out to support this cause helps honor Papa, and I’m proud to be a part of that.

**Looking for ways to help your local PD community? Learn more on our** [How You Can Help](/how-to-help "How You Can Help") **page**.

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Freezing and PD ](/library/fact-sheets/freezing) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/freezing) 

 Fact Sheets 

###  [ Finding the Right Skilled Nursing Facility ](/library/fact-sheets/skilled-nursing) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/skilled-nursing) 

 Fact Sheets 

###  [ Finding the Right Assisted Living Facility ](/library/fact-sheets/assisted-living) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/assisted-living) 

 

  ##  More Stories 

 from the Parkinson's community

   ![Amy Nylund headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/amy-nylund-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=BMJmBpLX)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Amy Nylund ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/amy-nylund) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Aki Suzuki headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/aki-suzuki-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=S3AxuEHP)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Aki Suzuki ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/aki-suzuki) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Mark painting at a kitchen table.](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/marku-hurst-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=0CI6_9ko)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Mark Hurst ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/mark-hurst) 

  READ NOW  

 

 

 [VIEW ALL STORIES](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) 

  

 

 ###  Share your Story 

 Do you have an experience with Parkinson's that you would like to share?

 [SUBMIT YOUR STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit) 

 

 

 ###  PD Health @ Home 

 Join us for new, weekly virtual wellness programs! Take part in one or all of our events that cover: mindfulness, interviews with experts and guided exercise.

 [VIEW EVENTS](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth) 

 

 

 

 

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