## Breadcrumb

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- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [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

 

   ![Gary Krajewski headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/gary-krajewski-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=61PM5YS8)  

 People with PD 

##  Gary Krajewski 

 

  ### My Parkinsonism Story

In late 2018, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician noticed a resting [tremor](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor") in my left hand, reduced left arm swing and a pill-rolling movement. After an MRI, I was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the diagnosis was later revised to [Parkinsonism/atypical Parkinsonian syndrome](/library/fact-sheets/parkinsonism "Understanding Parkinsonism").

My symptoms have included a mild left-hand tremor, reduced arm swing, lightheadedness, balance issues and some [urinary symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/incontinence "Bladder Issues & Incontinence"), while remaining relatively stable over time.

 **Parkinsonism** is a set of movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and other disorders. It describes symptoms rather than a specific disorder.

**Atypical Parkinsonism** is a group of progressive brain disorders with some of the symptoms seen in PD. Symptoms are often more serious early on.

 [LEARN MORE](/library/fact-sheets/parkinsonism) 

 

 ### What has helped me!

After my diagnosis, I decided to focus on what I could do rather than what I had lost.

In 2024, I became a Parkinson’s Ambassador and helped launch a local PD Art & Music Night with support from Duke Health Movement Disorders Center, a [Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network#Centers "Global Care Network"). The event has grown successfully over multiple years. I am also involved with Moving Day and Parkinson’s Revolution fundraising efforts and began serving as a Board Member for the [Parkinson’s Foundation Carolinas chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") in 2026.

> Managing Parkinsonism has centered on four daily priorities: [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise"), speech, sleep and nutrition. I also maintain a daily art practice that helps me express my experiences living with Parkinsonism and supports others in the PD community.

### Advice

My advice for those newly diagnosed is to shift the question from “Why?” to “What?” Instead of asking why this happened, ask:

What can I still do?   
What resources are available?   
What steps can I take today to live well?

Focusing on those questions has helped me move forward with purpose and hope.

For me, it has been helpful to arrange Parkinson’s Foundation resources into a daily life survival kit. I believe that gives me a better perspective on WHAT I need every day.

**Explore Parkinson’s Foundation** [resources](/resources-support "Resources & Support") **today.**

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Understanding Parkinsonism ](/library/fact-sheets/parkinsonism) 



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

   Podcasts 

###  [ Episode 158: Atypical Parkinsonism Series: Overview, Diagnosis and Prevalence ](/library/podcast/158) 



 [Listen Now](/library/podcast/158)

   Podcasts 

###  [ Episode 160: Atypical Parkinsonism Series: Treatment and Interdisciplinary Approach to Care ](/library/podcast/160) 



 [Listen Now](/library/podcast/160)

  

  ##  More Stories 

 from the Parkinson's community

   ![Melinda Young headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/melinda-young-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=IGUTuGIt)  

 People with PD 

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

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Jessica R. headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/jessica-r-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=l6Bl0YfL)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Jessica R. ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/jessica-r) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![John with family at a Moving Day event](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/john-poma-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=AVirwAmI)  

 People with PD 

###  [ John Poma ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/john-poma) 

  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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