## 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

 

   ![Julio Gonzalez](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/julio-gonzalez-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=J1eS2Smi)  

 People with PD 

##  Julio Gonzalez 

 

  I was diagnosed in 2017 with Parkinson’s disease (PD) after relocating to Gilbert, AZ with my family from South Brunswick, NJ. I suspect that [balance issues](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/postural-instability "Postural Instability (Balance & Falls)") I have had for a longer period was actually attributed to PD. My challenges with PD have been primarily with balance and walking, low blood pressure and leg pain.

For approximately a five-year period I relied on Rock Steady Boxing classes to provide the exercise my body needed to offset my physical challenges.

During the past four years I have served as a member of the [Parkinson's Foundation Southwest Chapter](/southwest "Southwest Chapter") board. This provided me with the opportunity to contribute time following my retirement in 2019 from JPMorgan Chase to help with fundraising, community outreach and board development activities.

 **Parkinson’s Foundation Chapters provide local resources, support groups, classes and educational programs.**

 [Find Your Chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter) 

 

 My role includes participation at [Moving Day](https://movingdaywalk.org/) and [webinar events](/resources-support/events "Events"). I also tap into the very comprehensive [Parkinson's Foundation library](/resources-support/pd-library "PD Library") to further educate me on various PD related topics.

I leverage the love and support of my family to stay positive and strong, as I continue to face my PD challenges. Continuing with a regular exercise routine should always be part of my health maintenance program. Also, I have always found keeping a good sense of humor as a strong defense against stress and mental health challenges.

> My advice to a PD "newbie" is to utilize the vast amount of information available on [Parkinson.org](/node/79 "Homepage") to educate yourself and remain informed on PD overall.

I would encourage them to be part of a PD community or support group, for there is strength in numbers and value in shared knowledge and experiences.

[**Join the Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer community**](/how-to-help/volunteer "Volunteer") **to support people with Parkinson’s through local events and educational programs. Find your local Parkinson’s Foundation chapter.**

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Parkinson's Exercise Recommendations ](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations) 



 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations)

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ All About PD: Mental Health ](/library/fact-sheets/mental-health) 



 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/mental-health)

   Books 

###  [ Mood: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease ](/library/books/mood) 



 [Read Now](/library/books/mood)

  

  ##  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) 

 

 

 ###  PD Library 

 Deep dive into Parkinson’s topics that matter most to you. Explore our books, podcast episodes, fact sheets, videos and more — all available in our PD Library.

 [Explore Now](/resources-support/pd-library) 

 

 

 

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