## 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 ![Krystina Russell headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/krystina-russell-preview-new.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=68XgccJC) Care Partners ## Krystina Russell My mom was diagnosed with [early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD)](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons "Young-Onset Parkinson's") in 2016, when I was just 28 years old. It was a massive shock, as she had always been independent, active and relatively healthy. What I didn’t realize was that she had been quietly battling [cognitive](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/cognitive "Cognitive Changes") and [physical challenges](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") for years on her own. ![Krystina posing for a picture with her mom](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/krystina-russell-in-line-2.jpg?itok=bzHbfvoi) From the moment she was officially diagnosed, our entire world shifted. I had so much to learn to be able to support her and I felt totally unprepared. Parkinson’s didn’t just affect her body, it changed our daily routines, our relationship, roles within our family, and the way we thought about the future. But through it all we have always remained a team. Nearly 10 years later, I’ve watched my mom face increasing [fatigue](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/fatigue "Fatigue"), worsening [tremors](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor"), cognitive hurdles, changes in her strength and mobility, and numerous surgeries to manage pain for other health issues. She has handled every challenge with courage and grace, continues to inspire me and everyone around her. There is no handbook that prepares you to become a medical [care partner](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") for your parent at a young age. My transition from adult child to playing a lead role in her treatment plan was swift but necessary. And yet with every surgery, doctor’s appointment, change in medication and post-op recovery period, I discovered a resilience within myself that I didn’t know existed. Look for Krystina and her mother, Vanessa in our new PSA aiming to help people find real answers to their Parkinson’s questions. [WATCH NOW](/about-us/press-room/psa) ![Krystina and her mom holding coffee cups](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/krystina-russell-in-line-3.jpg?itok=kTeSe9SL) As her care partner, I’ve learned what unconditional love truly means. I anticipate needs before they’re spoken, attend appointments, communicate with doctors and understand the treatment plans to help my mom maintain her quality of life. I provide physical care, comedic relief and emotional support through both good and bad days. Caregiving has also taught me what vulnerability really looks like. That it’s okay to ask for help, lean on my support network, and honor my own needs. Our journey has been unconventional as a mother, daughter pair, but through medical team at Rush University Medical Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation [Center of Excellence](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network#Centers "Global Care Network"), and the Parkinson’s Foundation, we’ve found community. We enjoy participating in support programs for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners, which is a consistent reminder that we are not alone. My mom’s involvement in research advocacy and speaking engagements keeps her informed in the latest news and research. We also attend local conferences and [events](/resources-support/events "Events") when possible, giving us both a renewed sense of purpose. In September 2023, we were proud to be part of the [first graduating class of Black and African American research advocates](/blog/awareness/empowering-black-pd-communities "Empowering Black and African American Communities with Parkinson’s: Education and Advocacy in Action ") to support ongoing efforts to raise awareness and encourage participation in PD research studies for our community. ![Krystina and her mom at a Parkinson's event](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/krystina-russell-in-line-1.jpg?itok=gALFOq7E) Parkinson’s is more than a diagnosis. It is a shared experience that reshapes families, deepens bonds and expands your perspective on life. > My mom is my best friend, and I am incredibly proud of how far she has come mentally, emotionally and physically. She fights every day with determination, but I hope she knows she will never have to fight alone. To my fellow care partners, please be kind to yourself. Ask for help. Take time to care for yourself and to refill your cup when needed. What you do requires dedication, patience and empathy, but it makes a profound difference in the life of your loved one. Cherish the moments. Laugh, cry, make memories and celebrate every win. **The Parkinson’s Foundation is here for care partners. Explore [care partner resources](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners")**. ## Related Materials Books ### [ Caring & Coping: A Care Partner’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/books/caring-coping) [Read Now](/library/books/caring-coping) Fact Sheets ### [ Coping Skills for Care Partners ](/library/fact-sheets/coping-care-partners) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/coping-care-partners) Podcasts ### [ Episode 116: Caring for Loved Ones with Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/podcast/116) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/116) ## More Stories from the Parkinson's community ![Jordan and his dad](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/jordan-levin-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=iXWnmqlh) Care Partners ### [ Jordan Levin ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/jordan-levin) READ NOW ![Kimberly O’Roark headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Kimberly-ORoark-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=3GKsm-4c) Care Partners ### [ Kimberly O’Roark ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/kimberly-oroark) READ NOW ![Christine and her dad at a baseball game](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/christine-rowley-pd-story-preview.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=vGc6e0Op) Care Partners ### [ Christine Rowley ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/christine-rowley) 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) ### Care Partner Resources Explore all stages of the care partner journey and practical tips that can help along the way. [LEARN MORE](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/carepartners/resources) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn