## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [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 ![Herbert Wennink headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Herbert-Wennink.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=03TzkX2R) People with PD ## Herbert Wennink I was 56 when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). Now, almost 10 years later, I look back on how the disease has affected my life but also how I continue to adapt. I never thought I’d be at the gym so much, or that I’d have to take early retirement, but I have learned that I am resilient and that even as the disease progresses, I can still have a great deal of joy in my life. A few months before being [diagnosed](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed"), I noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as a small [tremor](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor") in my hand and a [loss of smell](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/loss-of-smell "Loss of Smell"). At the urging of my wife, I saw my primary care doctor, who suspected Parkinson’s. I then saw a general neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis. I sought a second opinion at [Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center](https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/movement-disorders?utm_source=nm.org%2Fparkinsons&utm_medium=vanity&utm_campaign=parkinsons) because it is a Parkinson’s Foundation [Center of Excellence](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network#Centers). Northwestern Medicine Neurologist Danny Bega, MD, confirmed my diagnosis and created a personalized treatment plan addressing not only medications, but also lifestyle changes and [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") to manage symptoms and enhance my quality of life. A central element of my life is attending Rock Steady Boxing classes specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s. I also attend Parkinson’s-specific ping pong, golf and Second City Improv classes. Who knew Parkinson’s could be so funny? Many of these initiatives have received [Parkinson’s Foundation community grants](/resources-support/community-grants "Community Grants"). The Parkinson’s Foundation has been a key resource for providing me and my family with ongoing education. I found the [Hospital Safety Guide](/library/books/hospital-safety-guide "Hospital Safety Guide") to be helpful when I was diagnosed and continue to use it as a resource. Each year, I attend the Parkinson’s Disease Patient and Caregiver Symposium, co-hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation and Northwestern Medicine, to stay updated on treatments and research. Through the Foundation’s events like [Moving Day](https://movingdaywalk.org/events/) walks and Parkinson's Players activities, I have found support, camaraderie and a sense of belonging. My journey with Parkinson’s disease has taught me many things. One is that Parkinson’s isn’t limited to older adults; **it affects people of all ages and can happen to anyone**. ![Herbert Wennink on a hike](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Herbert-Wennink-hike.jpg?itok=nvqMH7PA) I’ve also learned to celebrate milestones. I’ve been living with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, and every year that my symptoms are managed is a milestone. I appreciate that I have been able to live well enough to take several international trips with my wife and daughter since my diagnosis. I am proud to have stuck with a vigorous exercise program over the years, and it’s paying off. I have definitely learned that exercise equals medicine, and the community of supportive coaches and friends is invaluable. I hope fellow people with PD will approach this disease with a positive attitude and a commitment to being active — and keep pushing to live the best life possible. **Learn more about the [Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center](https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/movement-disorders?utm_source=nm.org%2Fparkinsons&utm_medium=vanity&utm_campaign=parkinsons).** **Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our** [Fitness Friday videos](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth#ff)**. For in-person classes, visit your** [local chapter’s webpage](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") **or call our** [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") **at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).** ## Related Materials Fact Sheets ### [ Occupational Therapy & Parkinson's ](/library/fact-sheets/occupational-therapy) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/occupational-therapy) Fact Sheets ### [ Nutrition and PD ](/library/fact-sheets/nutrition) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/nutrition) Audiobooks ### [ Fitness Counts: A Body Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/audiobooks/fitness) [Listen Now](/library/audiobooks/fitness) ## 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) ### PD Health @ Home Join us for new, weekly virtual wellness programs! Take part in one or all of our events that cover: mindfulness, interviews with experts and guided exercise. [VIEW EVENTS](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth) ### 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) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn