## 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 ![Scott Warren headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/scott-warren-preview-new.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=rXN-P-MP) People with PD ## Scott Warren ### Finding My Rhythm For years, I lived with a secret. When you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), there is this common, almost overwhelming urge to hide it. Whether it’s the fear of not being accepted or the dread of people looking at you with pity, many of us fight to act “normal.” Trying to mask a [diagnosis](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed") that has become a huge part of your life is exhausting. It’s hard to be your authentic self when you’re hiding. I was diagnosed at age 51 in February 2021, right in the heart of the pandemic. At the time, I was working full-time as an educator, leading others through the trials of remote and in-person school. The diagnosis felt like a gut punch during an already impossible season. I kept my diagnosis a secret for over a year — I didn’t even tell my family. I had back surgery during the same time to relieve sciatica, which also caused me to have difficulty walking. This made it easier to hide my symptoms as the sciatic pain masked my rigidity. Coming out of the pandemic and back into reality, the strain of hiding continued. Eventually, I began to let people in and felt a burden lift. I discovered that people are often far more supportive and less judgmental than I thought. Although I don’t tell everyone I meet that I have PD, I’m becoming more open about my journey, hoping that by sharing my story, I can help someone else live their authentic life a little easier. ### Adapting and Moving While Parkinson’s has affected my left side and made [handwriting](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/small-handwriting "Small Handwriting") difficult, I haven't let it stop my voice. I’ve discovered that speech-to-text is a game-changer. It’s more efficient than my old way of writing, allowing my thoughts to flow quickly and freely. I’ve also learned that [movement](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") is medicine. My mobility can feel constrained, so working out is a non-negotiable part of my day. If I skip a workout, I feel the difference. The breakthrough for me was finding a specific Parkinson’s exercise group. Not only has it greatly enhanced my physical ability to function, but it has provided me with a network of "warriors" who are on this same path. Look for Scott in our new PSA aiming to help people find real answers to their Parkinson’s questions. [WATCH NOW](/about-us/press-room/psa) ### The Power of the Tribe What keeps me happy and hopeful? Connection. Spending time with family and friends is the best way to stay healthy, but connecting with my "PD tribe" is critical. There is a deep, unspoken understanding that exists between us. Attending the 2025[ Moving Day Chicago](https://movingdaywalk.org/) was an uplifting experience — seeing so many people thriving and living well was the best kind of fuel for my spirit. > When I got a call to participate in the new Parkinson's Foundation PSA, I realized this was a chance to connect with even more people in the PD Tribe and help make others feel less alone. ### My Advice: Find Your People ![Scott Warren standing with woman by a large body of water](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/scott-warren-float.jpg?itok=b-dfGHQ6) If you are new to this diagnosis, my biggest piece of advice is this: Find your people. Whether it’s an illness or any other life challenge, finding your tribe is essential. The bond you’ll form with those who truly understand your journey will give you a strength you didn't know you had. Five years into this journey, I’ve learned that staying active — physically, mentally, socially and spiritually — makes all the difference. Don’t hide; reach out. There is so much life to live! **Find your Parkinson’s community when you connect with your nearest Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter. [Find your Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") and [follow us on social media](/about-us/contact#social "Contact Us").** ## 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 ![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) ### Connect with Others Explore our PD Conversations discussion groups to find answers or talk to others going through similar experiences. [Join Now](https://www.pdconversations.org/) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn