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- [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories)
 
  ## Breadcrumb

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

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![Epin Christensen running](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Epin%20Christensen.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=fONbXy2p)  

 Family Members 

##  Epin Christensen 

 

  Epin Christensen’s mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) over a decade ago. In November 2023, Epin joined our [Parkinson’s Champions](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") team and took to the race course, running the same marathon to which she has a deep attachment.

 ![Epin Christensen and three other women at Parkinson's Champions event](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/christensen%204.png?itok=eTf5x3KO)  “I grew up watching the NYC Marathon from my childhood bedroom, admiring the runners as they passed by my home. I have fond memories of those moments with my mom, and she was proud that I ran this marathon in her honor.”

[Parkinson’s Champions](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events. Every step they take brings us closer to a future without PD — because Parkinson’s is not a sprint but a marathon.

Epin raised more than $5,000 for Parkinson’s research and completed the race in honor of her mother. “We run and will continue to run for people with Parkinson’s,” she said.

 ![Epin Christensen holding a box of fruit snacks at Champions event](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/christensen%202.png?itok=vDW0nIne)  “The marathon holds a special place in my heart, but running it to support those battling this terrible disease is even more meaningful. In addition to my mother, I have friends who are courageously living with [young-onset Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons "Young-Onset Parkinson's"). Furthermore, many friends have shared their heartbreaking family experiences with Parkinson's.”- Epin

After completing this incredibly special marathon in 2023, Epin continued to seek ways to support the work of the Parkinson’s Foundation and honor her mother. She found what she was looking for at the Marine Corps Marathon Weekend as a the Champions Cheer Team Captain in October 2024.

 ![Epin Christensen at a dinner with 5 others](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/christensen%201.png?itok=00gztKHa)  The [Champions Cheer Team](/how-to-help/fundraise/run/champions-cheer-team "Champions Cheer Team") inspires [Parkinson’s Champions athletes](/blog/awareness/champions "Who are Parkinson’s Champions?") as they challenge themselves in races and marathons across the country. She brought pom poms, signs, smiles and endless sugary snacks to support those putting their bodies to the test for their loved ones fighting PD.

Epin is a leader and an inspiration, diving in feet first to show her love and support for her mother in her battle with PD.

**Explore upcoming [Parkinson’s Champions endurance races](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") or join our [Champions Cheer Team](/how-to-help/fundraise/run/champions-cheer-team "Champions Cheer Team").**

  ##  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 

###  [ Low Blood Pressure and PD ](/library/fact-sheets/blood-pressure) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/blood-pressure) 

 Fact Sheets 

###  [ Getting Involved in Research ](/library/fact-sheets/research) 

 

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

 

  ##  More Stories 

 from the Parkinson's community

   ![Anika Ganu performing on a keyboard](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/anika-ganu-pd-story-hero.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=d6Nv7YCl)  

 Family Members 

###  [ Anika Ganu ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/anika-ganu) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Christine Shearman and her father](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Christine-Shearman-father.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=-SGVTDQ5)  

 Family Members 

###  [ Christine Shearman ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/christine-shearman) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Amanda Manders with her dad at Parkinsons Revolution event](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Amanda%20Meyers.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=ryURHjCw)  

 Family Members 

###  [ Amanda Meyers ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/amanda-meyers) 

  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) 

 

 

 ###  Volunteer 

 Join our team! We rely on the energy, skill, and passion of people like you to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

 [LEARN MORE](/how-to-help/volunteer) 

 

 

 

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