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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

 

   ![Paul Schnabel and his wife smiling at the camera](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/My%20PD%20Story%20%287%29.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=lSlukbks)  

 People with PD 

##  Paul Schnabel 

 

  It started with something small: I found it difficult to button my shirt with my right hand.

In 2022, that small sign became a life-changing diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease. With no family history and a lifelong focus on health, the news was a shock.

I tackled it head-on with exercise, therapy, a healthier diet and a support group for those [newly diagnosed](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed"). My wife stood beside me every step of the way, connecting with [care partner](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") groups and reminding me we were in this together.

Then, in the spring of 2024, my world collapsed. She died suddenly, just three months before the birth of our first grandchild. For months, I let grief take over—poor diet, little sleep, no exercise. But slowly, I began to climb back, knowing she’d want me to keep living, not just surviving.

Now, I share my journey through my blog—writing about Parkinson’s, grief and hope. My grandson is one year old, and when I hold him, I see her in his eyes.

I’m grateful for my Parkinson’s community and proud to serve as a [Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador](/how-to-help/volunteer "Volunteer") speaking at local events, fundraising and supporting others facing the same road. **Parkinson’s is part of my life, but it doesn’t define me.**

I have someone who I get to share my life with, as well as friends and family who lift me up. My disease is manageable. And every day, I try to live the kind of life my wife believed I could—one filled with purpose, gratitude, and love.

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Pain in Parkinson's Disease ](/library/fact-sheets/pain) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/pain) 

 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) 

 

  ##  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) 

 

 

 ###  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) 

 

 

 

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