## 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

 

   ![Jay Phillips](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/jay_phillips.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=XA8qaVbD)  

 People with PD 

##  Jay Phillips 

 

  Jay, whose infantry service in Vietnam exposed him to [Agent Orange](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/veterans/agent-orange "Agent Orange & Other Toxic Exposures"), talks about the importance of receiving expert care for his PD and the availability of that care for veterans, including medications, through the [Veterans Health Administration](https://www.va.gov/health-care/). He also points out the outstanding resources available through the Parkinson’s Foundation and the key role exercise plays in Parkinson’s care.

*Jay has been an advocate for Parkinson’s patient care and research since 2012 and was the Parkinson’s Foundation 2020 Volunteer of the Year. He currently serves as an [Aware in Care Ambassador](/resources-support/hospital-care-kits/ambassadors "Aware in Care Ambassadors"), [Moving Day](https://www.movingdaywalk.org/) Captain and is also a support group leader.*

  

 **The VA estimates that 110,000 veterans have Parkinson’s disease. If you or your loved are a veteran living with Parkinson's, check out our resources for [Veterans](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/veterans "Veterans & Parkinson's"). You are not alone.**

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Pain in Parkinson's Disease ](/library/fact-sheets/pain) 

 

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

 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) 

 

  ##  More Stories 

 from the Parkinson's community

   ![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  

 

 ![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  

 

 

 [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) 

 

 

 

 - Share on Facebook
- Share on X
- Share on LinkedIn