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  ## Breadcrumb

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

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![cherriezaun](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/cherriezaun.jpg?h=64b15b3d&itok=J5BVsjyA)  

 People with PD 

##  Cherrie Zaun 

 

  It’s been nearly two years, but it feels like yesterday when the doctor told me I have Parkinson’s disease (PD). My First worry was what it would mean to my family. Then, of course I was concerned about how it will affect my second great passion golf.

In my 20s, I took a job as the women’s coach at the University of Southern California and played golf on the Ladies Professional Golfer’s Association (LPGA) tour as a minor league pro. I put the game on hold for nearly two decades while my husband and I were raising our three children. Then, in the late 90s, I joined the Futures Golf Tour, competing in more than 36 tournaments over three years.

Gradually, I began to feel something was wrong. My right arm often seemed frozen at my side, my right foot dragged and I tired easily. It felt like I had only half a body. My golf game suffered. I struggled just to sign my name. I hoped it was a pinched nerve, but thought it could be something worse.

My son, Baltimore Orioles Catcher Gregg Zaun, set me up for a battery of tests with his team doctors. In 2003, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

I felt helpless. I read everything I could to learn how to live my life in spite of the disease. Armed with information, I set out to fight the battle against Parkinson’s

Today, I’m able to teach and play golf again.\* I talk about PD with doctors and other Parkinson’s Patients. Every day, I learn more about this disease is still in it’s impact on the body and spirit.

My disease is still in it’s early stages, so I don’t have any tremors. I’m taking medicine, including a drug called Mirapex ( pramipexole dihydrochloride tablets), one of a class of medications called dopamine agonists. I’m exercising (I find yoga and golf especially helpful) and I welcome the support of my family and friends.

Living with Parkinson’s disease is not all that different from doing great at the round of golf- it takes practice and determination.

My doctor is optimistic that, one day, a cure will be discovered. Meanwhile, my initial fear of the disease is gone and my joy of life has never been stronger. I wish the same for you!

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ My Parent Has Parkinson's. What Does It Mean? ](/library/fact-sheets/parent-has-parkinsons) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/parent-has-parkinsons) 

 Fact Sheets 

###  [ Support Group Leader Guide ](/library/books/support-group-leader-guide) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/books/support-group-leader-guide) 

 Podcasts 

###  [ Episode 58: Talking to Your Employer About PD Series Part 2: Disability Inclusion and Accommodation at Work ](/library/podcast/58) 

 

 [Listen Now](/library/podcast/58) 

 

  ##  More Stories 

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###  [ Tamara Zanvardine ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/tamara-zanvardine) 

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###  [ Melinda Young ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/melinda-young) 

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 [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) 

 

 

 

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