My PD Story

For most of his life, Dale Picciano has answered the call to serve others.

In 1977, I joined the U.S. Marines, an experience that shaped my commitment to community and service. Reflecting on that chapter of my life, I was honored and privileged to walk amongst many heroes that are warriors. Semper Fi. 

A few years later, in 1981, I began a 32-year career as a firefighter and paramedic with the City of Miami. For more than three decades, I was honored to help others during some of their most difficult moments. I was always surrounded by people who inspired me.

I retired in 2013, looking forward to traveling, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the next chapter of life. But I had been experiencing a combination of mysterious movement and non-movement symptoms for years, not knowing why. In retirement, I was finally diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PPD) in 2022, at the age of 65.

Like many people living with Parkinson's, I turned to the Parkinson's Foundation for information and resources — but I found so much more, I found community.

The Parkinson's Foundation became an invaluable resource for me to depend on. I was encouraged to give back and support the Foundation in its continuing efforts in the Parkinson's community. I wanted to make a difference again with my life by volunteering.

I went into action. In my first year participating in Moving Day Miami, my team raised more than $14,850 for the Parkinson's Foundation. Drawing on my career in firefighting, I personally reached out to fellow firefighters through phone calls, face-to-face conversations and community outreach. 

I was happy to connect with my fellow firefighters to help raise awareness about Parkinson's and encourage important discussions within the first responder community.

“Dale’s efforts helped connect the Parkinson's Foundation with an entirely new network of supporters while increasing awareness among a community that may face an increased risk of developing Parkinson's, which is one of the reasons the Foundation named him Rising Star Volunteer Award in 2026,” said Celeste Tennant, Parkinson’s Foundation Director of Volunteer Engagement.

Today, I remain active in my PD community, where I am a member of Rock Steady Boxing Miami. I fight alongside others who are resilient and determined to live stronger with this disease. Looking around the gym, I see a familiar spirit in the people beside me.

I am honored and privileged to walk amongst many heroes that are fighters, that won't quit and are fighting back.

From Marine and firefighter, to Parkinson's fighter and volunteer, I believe in service. I bring the same service-driven mindset that got me through my career into my volunteer work with the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

A Parkinson's diagnosis could slow anyone down, but it can also help you step forward, raise awareness and build a new community.

Dale received the Parkinson’s Fondation Rising Star Volunteer Award for demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there are always new ways to serve. Find out how you can volunteer today.