My PD Story

Finding My Balance: A Personal Journey with Parkinson’s

When I look back, my journey with Parkinson’s disease (PD) didn’t begin in a doctor’s office — it began at home, with my wife.

In December of 2022, she was the first to notice the changes: a slight tremor in my hand, stiffness in my movement and a slowing that I tried to explain away as stress or age. She told me I needed to see a doctor, and, as usual, she was right. It wasn’t until January 5, 2023, that I heard the words that would change everything: “You have Parkinson’s disease.”

In that moment, I felt both relief and fear — relief because I finally had an answer, and fear because I knew nothing would ever quite be the same. Parkinson’s isn’t a condition with a simple fix. It’s something you learn to live with, day by day, through patience, adaptation and perseverance.

My first major hurdle was finding the right neurologist. The first two didn’t feel like the right fit. I needed someone who understood not only the science of Parkinson’s, but also its impact on my daily life — someone who saw me as more than a set of symptoms. I finally found that person on my third try, at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. The Cleveland Clinic quickly became my lifeline — a place where I felt truly understood and supported.

That neurologist offered me something unexpected: the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for a new medication called Tavapadon. Joining the trial was a turning point. It gave me purpose and a sense that I could contribute to progress — not only for myself, but for the broader Parkinson’s community.

Over time, I began to notice improvements: steadier movement, clearer focus and, most importantly, a renewed belief that science and hope can walk hand in hand. Although the trial I joined has not been FDA approved yet, the experience strengthened my faith in research and the value of participation.

But medication alone wasn’t enough. I needed connection. Through my involvement with the Parkinson’s Foundation, I became a research advocate and ambassador and later joined the Parkinson’s Foundation Southwest Chapter Board. That experience opened my eyes to the strength of this community — individuals facing the same challenges, each one finding their own way to adapt and thrive.

Advocacy became a form of therapy for me. It turned my diagnosis into action. I started speaking up, sharing my story, and helping others understand that Parkinson’s doesn’t erase who we are — it simply reshapes how we show up in the world.

My wife has been my greatest support, encouraging me to stay active and consistent. I walk about two miles every day and track my sleep with an Oura Ring to manage my energy and symptoms.

Living with Parkinson’s has taught me that hope isn’t something that just happens; it’s something we build. It’s built by showing up to appointments, by volunteering for research, by offering encouragement to someone newly diagnosed, and by choosing, every day, to keep moving forward. There are frustrating days — with symptoms, medication changes, and uncertainty — but I remind myself to keep learning, stay curious and use technology as an ally.

My wife’s intuition started this journey, but the people I’ve met along the way have given it meaning. I still have hard days — moments of frustration, fatigue, and uncertainty — but they’re balanced by purpose and perspective. Parkinson’s may be part of my story, but it isn’t the whole story. It’s a chapter I continue to write with courage, gratitude and hope.

Explore ways to get involved with the Parkinson’s Foundation today and find your local chapter.