## 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 ![Reka Janisse headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Reka%20Janisse%20headshot.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=rmAi6kbA) People with PD ## Reka Janisse Hi. I’m Reka Janisse, and I live with [young-onset Parkinson’s disease](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons "Young-Onset Parkinson's") (YOPD). My symptoms began at 39, and I was officially diagnosed at 42. I’ve learned that Parkinson’s isn’t just about tremors — it’s an unpredictable mix of over 40 possible symptoms, from [bradykinesia (slowness of movement)](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/bradykinesia "Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement)") to [dyskinesia](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "Dyskinesia") (involuntary movement of face, arms or legs) and every day can feel different. Some mornings I’m dancing on TikTok, and others I’m moving in slow motion. The key? I never let two bad days stack up. I approach Parkinson’s like I do my fitness training: with discipline, curiosity, and a lot of humor. Alongside medication, I lean on what I call “frosting therapy” — the lifestyle habits that make the whole journey more manageable. That means prioritizing [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") and focusing on muscle building as a way to fight back against symptoms. I’m currently training to compete in my second HYROX, a high-intensity fitness competition, because mobility, strength and resilience are my best long-term strategies. Every PR (personal record) in the gym feels like a personal win over Parkinson’s. ![Reka doing a Moving Day video](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Reka-movingday.jpg?itok=kHJzwI4V) I chose to tackle HYROX Dallas as a [Parkinson's Champion](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser"), where I could [design my own event](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser"). Not only will it challenge me physically, but the fundraising will help everyone living with PD. I’m interested in spreading awareness and inspiring others to take on a challenge. It’s you against you and it’s such a fulfilling and rewarding challenge especially if you do it year after year and get to work on improving your time. Considering this is a degenerative disease that is a thrilling goal to achieve! [Nutrition](/living-with-parkinsons/management/diet-nutrition "Diet & Nutrition") is another cornerstone. I’ve made it a non-negotiable to measure my meals and keep my diet steady, not out of obsession but because I know how much it impacts my energy, my gut health and even dopamine production. Food is fuel — and in my case, it’s therapy, too. I also stay tuned into innovative approaches — like red light therapy, sauna and cold plunge therapy, and supplements — because supporting my body at the cellular level helps me manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. My main focus is to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and improve cellular health. Most importantly, I share this journey publicly on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/pd.family/?hl=en), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cardiodiva/), and [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@pd.family.5) to build awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding Parkinson’s, and bring some laughter into a space that often feels heavy. Humor is my superpower. By mixing honest education with moments of levity, I aim to show that living with Parkinson’s doesn’t mean losing joy. I mostly rely on social media for my updates and news about Parkinson’s. I love the Parkinson’s Foundation Instagram page! [Follow them on Instagram now](https://www.instagram.com/parkinsondotorg/). My mission is to inspire and empower others, especially those diagnosed at a younger age, to take ownership of their health. Parkinson’s is part of my story, but it’s not my whole story. With movement, nutrition, community, and a little sass, I’m proving every day that you can live strong, laugh loud, and push back against this disease. **[Support Reka as a Parkinson’s Champion today!](https://secure.parkinson.org/site/TR?px=3188783&fr_id=6942&pg=personal) And [sign up to become a Parkinson’s Champion](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") by running in an upcoming race or choosing your own event.** ## 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 ![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) ### Listen to our Podcast New episodes are released every month! Subscribe today for the latest in Parkinson’s research and treatments. [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/online-education/podcast) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn