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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

 

   ![Patrick Exley making heart with hands](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Patrick-Exley.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=zxOmz7EN)  

 People with PD 

##  Patrick Exley 

 

  I’d like to take you on a journey back to October 2011, when I ran the Silver Comet Half Marathon in 1:45:45, which I thought was not bad for a 35-year-old. But I wanted to conquer a full marathon next, so I plunged into training after a few days of rest. I was on mile 7 of a 10-mile run when my left leg locked up. It was as if that leg had a mind of its own.

I focused on stretching and more time off between runs. The same thing happened during a 6-mile run; and then a 2-miler; soon, I couldn’t run ¼ mile without my left leg locking up. It took 4 years of chasing this issue including many visits and tests with my orthopedist, podiatrist, general practitioner and neurologists before getting the [early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD)](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons "Young-Onset Parkinson's") diagnosis in 2015 at the age 39.

I wasn’t satisfied with the subjective clinical diagnosis, so I had a[ DATscan](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed#datscan "Getting Diagnosed") in Jan 2016. This plus my levodopa response confirmed that it was indeed Parkinson’s disease.

I was ashamed and hid my diagnosis for about 4 years, but my [symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") progressed quickly. I was taking up to 24 doses of Levadopa per day as my off-time increased. My neurologist suggested I get vetted for [deep brain stimulation (DBS)](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)") surgery in 2019 and I finally had the surgery in 2022.

Now, Parkinson’s is an integral part of my life, but I refuse to let it define me. I’ve immersed myself in learning about the disease, volunteering and connecting with others who’ve shared my journey.

Each story inspired me to embrace my own. I’ve discovered new passions — like trail running, cycling, rock climbing and volunteering. I’ve learned to celebrate small victories, from mastering a new exercise to sharing musical experiences with friends.

> This disease became part of my narrative, but it doesn’t overshadow the richness of life.

In the last few years I have become very involved in supporting [Moving Day Atlanta](http://www.movingdayatlanta.org) as our Committee Chair, and take part in the [Peachtree Road Race](https://www.parkinson.org/events/2025/champions-peachtree) to support the [Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia Chapter](https://www.parkinson.org/georgia).

Now I am preparing for the challenge of a lifetime, tackling the 2025 Boston Marathon as a [Parkinson’s Champions](http://www.parkinsonschampions.org) athlete through the generous support of Team Abbott.

**Learn more about Abbott’s new [DBS Ambassador Program](https://www.neuromodulation.abbott/us/en/support-parkinsons-tremor/ambassador.html).**

**[Run as a Parkinson’s Champion today](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/fundraise/run)! Help raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events.**

  ##  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

   ![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) 

 

 

 ###  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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