My PD Story

My Parkinsonism Story

In late 2018, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician noticed a resting 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. 

My symptoms have included a mild left-hand tremor, reduced arm swing, lightheadedness, balance issues and some urinary symptoms, while remaining relatively stable over time. 

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. 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 in 2026. 

Managing Parkinsonism has centered on four daily priorities: 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 today.