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- [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

 

   ![Julie Garrett headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/julie-garrett-preview.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=qJ_ru0ic)  

 People with PD 

##  Julie Garrett 

 

  I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2018. Before my diagnosis, my left arm would not swing, and I shuffled around the house, dragging my left foot. I used to [stoop](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/stooped-posture "Stooped Posture"), but now, with the help of [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") and medication, I can swing my arms as I stand tall and walk with big strides. My movement symptoms are under control with exercise and medication, and most of my new acquaintances don’t even realize I have PD.

I have a [quiet voice](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/speech-swallowing "Speech & Swallowing Issues") that has become quieter with Parkinson’s, so I make a conscious effort every day to speak with intent. I completed the 10-week Speak Out program with a speech-language pathologist, and now I meet weekly on Zoom to continue working on my voice. It’s more than just speech—it includes reading and cognitive exercises that keep my mind active.

The thought of [PD dementia](/blog/awareness/dementia-conversation "PD Dementia: An Important Conversation") scares me, so I constantly challenge myself with brain puzzles and word games to stay sharp.

Exercise has truly changed my life. I go for a brisk walk every morning because mornings are my best time of day. During the summer, I love swimming in the pool, and throughout the year I work out at the gym with friends. Three times a week I attend Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) for a vigorous, high-energy workout that pushes both my body and mind.

When I joined RSB, I felt like I had already lost some of my strength, my rhythm and even the ability to jump. But boxing gave all of that back to me. I learned the combinations, moved through obstacle courses, jumped rope again and even found myself skipping to the beat of the music. I was hooked — pun intended.

Now I’m a coach for Rock Steady Boxing, and one of my favorite parts of class is leading dance warm-ups. Music and movement bring me joy. I also completed the BIG physical therapy program and still go through it semi-annually. Staying intentional about my routines keeps me independent — I’m grateful to still be able to drive and manage daily life on my own.

I stay involved with the Parkinson’s Foundation through [Moving Day Phoenix](https://movingdaywalk.org/), where I serve on the volunteer committee. I’ll never forget my first Moving Day walk. I didn’t know what to expect, but seeing so many people gathered together for one purpose was inspiring. It gave me hope, educational opportunities and new ways to adapt. That experience reminded me that Parkinson’s is manageable if you’re intentional about what you do.

A few years ago, I did genetic testing and was relieved to learn I have no known PD markers. It’s comforting to know it may not be passed on directly to my children.

> I may have been on the road to somewhere else, but my current place is still beautiful.

I have wonderful friends, workout groups and support systems that keep me grounded. As I often remind others: Parkinson’s isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning of a new normal. And I intend to make this new normal worthwhile.

**[Exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") is essential for people living with Parkinson’s. [Find your nearest Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") or call our Helpline at 1-800-473-4636 to explore exercise PD exercise classes near you.**

  ##  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

   ![Amy Nylund headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/amy-nylund-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=BMJmBpLX)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Amy Nylund ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/amy-nylund) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Aki Suzuki headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/aki-suzuki-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=S3AxuEHP)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Aki Suzuki ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/aki-suzuki) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Mark painting at a kitchen table.](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/marku-hurst-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=0CI6_9ko)  

 People with PD 

###  [ Mark Hurst ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/mark-hurst) 

  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) 

 

 

 ###  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) 

 

 

 

 

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