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  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories)
 
  

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![Kathy headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/kathy-mcmurray-pd-preview.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=iVgsOWHI)  

 People with PD 

##  Kathy McMurray 

 

  Kathy McMurray is a force of compassion and action in Evansville, IN, where she serves as a dedicated [Ambassador](/how-to-help/volunteer "Volunteer") for the Parkinson’s Foundation and a tireless advocate for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

At just 36 years old, Kathy was diagnosed with [young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD)](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons "Young-Onset Parkinson's"). Soon after, she began volunteering with the Foundation in 2019. Along the way, she has served as a Community Grantee reviewer, Moving Day volunteer, support group presenter and advocate in securing Senate sponsorship for the Indiana Parkinson’s Registry. She continues to participate in Ambassador trainings, demonstrating her commitment to growth and informed advocacy.

Above all — she leads.

As Board President and Co-Founder of the non-profit [PDEVV Hub](https://pdevvhub.org/), Kathy works to ensure that no one in the Evansville region feels alone after diagnosis. Providing access to local resources and fostering genuine human connection has been her driving force. This drive inspired Kathy to start two support groups in Evansville, IN and Hendersonville, KY.

On the north side of Evansville, where Kathy lives with her husband, Jim, and their dog, something remarkable has quietly taken root. Within just 10 houses, four people are living with Parkinson’s disease — all at different [stages](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/stages "Stages of Parkinson's").

What could have been isolating has instead become empowering. The neighbors encourage one another. The newly diagnosed find reassurance and shared understanding. Kathy believes fiercely in the strength of a group. “Life changes, but it can still be fun,” she said.

Kathy is already looking ahead — to continued advocacy and attending the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, AZ. Her mission remains clear: to guide others to the support they need and ensure that no one walks this journey alone.

Her work spans local, state, and national levels — but it always returns home to Evansville.

**Become a [Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador](/how-to-help/volunteer "Volunteer") today. Join our volunteer community to support people with Parkinson’s. [Sign up now.](/node/74)**

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ My Parent Has Parkinson's. What Does It Mean? ](/library/fact-sheets/parent-has-parkinsons) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/parent-has-parkinsons) 

 Fact Sheets 

###  [ Support Group Leader Guide ](/library/books/support-group-leader-guide) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/books/support-group-leader-guide) 

 Podcasts 

###  [ Episode 58: Talking to Your Employer About PD Series Part 2: Disability Inclusion and Accommodation at Work ](/library/podcast/58) 

 

 [Listen Now](/library/podcast/58) 

 

  ##  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) 

  

 

 ###  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) 

 

 

 ###  Volunteer 

 Join our team! We rely on the energy, skill, and passion of people like you to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

 [LEARN MORE](/how-to-help/volunteer) 

 

 

 

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