My PD Story

I used to know my grandfather by the stories he told. He would share Chinese folktales, read me bedtime stories, and play cards with me. He always seemed to have another story to share. These are some of my fondest childhood memories, moments I never imagined I would one day miss so much.

When my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), I started researching. Parkinson’s disease has been studied in countless medical journals, but the information often felt distant from what my family was experiencing. 

It was through the Parkinson’s Foundation that I found something more personal: stories from families like mine, alongside resources that helped me understand how to support someone I love. 

To me, Parkinson’s isn't just a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms. It's watching someone I love struggle with things that once came so naturally.

Growing up in Canada while my grandfather lived in Taiwan meant that our time together was limited. We spoke regularly over the phone, but our summer visits were what I looked forward to most. I remember him telling me Chinese folktales, reading bedtime stories, and playing cards with me. He always seemed to have another story to share.

After his Parkinson’s diagnosis, those visits began to feel different.

At first, the changes were subtle. But as I grew older, I noticed him struggling to find his words, needing my grandmother's help to get dressed and becoming quieter during conversations. The grandfather I remembered as a child had changed. He began listening more than speaking, and I found myself missing the stories that once filled our time together.

So I started asking more questions. How was his day? What did he want to eat? What had he been doing?

Over time, I realized that supporting him wasn't about filling every silence. Sometimes, it was about giving him enough time to speak.

When my grandfather visited Canada, I wanted to show him everything about my life. The places I loved, the restaurants I enjoyed, and the busy world I had grown up in. But walking long distances exhausted him, and even conversations could require considerable effort.

I learned to slow down. Instead of asking him to choose from countless restaurants, I offered a few options. Instead of rushing through conversations, I gave him time to respond. Rather than expecting him to keep up with my pace, I began adjusting to his.

These might seem like insignificant changes, but to families living with Parkinson’s, small gestures can make a difference.

That's what inspired me to create Living with Parkinson’s, an Instagram account where I share short, animated stories inspired by my experiences with my grandfather. Through simple illustrations, I try to capture the little struggles, quiet victories and moments of connection that medical descriptions can't always explain.

My hope is that these animations help younger generations understand Parkinson’s, while reminding other families that they aren't alone in navigating its challenges.

I can't bring back every childhood moment with my grandfather. But I can continue creating new ones with him.

Parkinson’s has changed how my grandfather tells his stories. It hasn't changed how much I want to hear them.

Explore Parkinson’s resources and learn more about helping loved ones from afar.