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  ## Breadcrumb

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

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![Chris Cluff headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Chris_Cluff.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=5z25qNmt)  

 People with PD 

##  Chris Cluff 

 

  I had just begun to live my dream of being a stand-up comedian when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The [physical signs](/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs "10 Early Signs") of the disease were present for over a year, but I just ignored them until I couldn’t any longer.

I was used to doing a lot of fun things. I taught yoga more than 40 years, and I enjoyed skiing as a hobby. Unfortunately, as my Parkinson’s [symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") progressed, even those activities were suddenly too much for my body to handle. I became extremely [depressed](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") and realized I needed to find an outlet for my emotions.

I happily discovered that laughter was my best friend. I started to take improv classes, which led to performing and teaching as well. When it came to my stand-up comedy, I realized I could use comedy to talk about Parkinson’s disease and share my story with others. I feel strong and whole when on stage, and making people laugh feels amazing! I wish I could extract the magic that comedy puts in my veins and share it with other people living with PD!

 ![Chris Cluff with group](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Chris_Cluff-group.jpg?itok=T4drEj3p)  Since I wanted to share my comedy with members of the PD community, I decided to produce a stand-up comedy show [benefitting the Parkinson’s Foundation](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser"). The show starred three of the top headlining comedians in the state of Arizona… and me!

We had a great crowd and I helped them see that Parkinson’s can also be treated with humor. I told them that I have a different relationship with my doctor these days. He doesn’t just say, “How are you doing?” — he asks, “What’s shaking?”

The event turned out well and was a lot of fun. The comedians did not disappoint; we all got in lots of healing laughter. Quite literally, comedy and performing has kept me alive. As long as I can get up on that stage, I will keep making laughter my way of giving back.

**Have a unique idea for engaging with the PD community?** [**Create your own fundraiser**](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser")**.**

  ##  More Stories 

 from the Parkinson's community

   ![Edwin Castillo headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/edwin-castillo-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=i2krUKZL)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Edwin Castillo ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/edwin-castillo) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Tamara posing for a picture in a blue dress](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/tamara-zanvardine-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=T3TnAZYR)  

 People with PD 

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

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Gary Krajewski headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/gary-krajewski-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=jbMtYx20)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Gary Krajewski ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/gary-krajewski) 

  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) 

 

 

 

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