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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

 

   ![Susan Stirling headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/susan-stirling-preview.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=ixpMZv6v)  

 People with PD 

##  Susan Stirling 

 

  I’ve waited six years to tell my story. I was [diagnosed](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed") with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in February 2020, which meant I was navigating this disease and the COVID pandemic at the same time.

I was fortunate to be able to work from home and to have access to health care via telehealth. This gave me an opportunity to slowly adjust to my diagnosis. Sharing that I had Parkinson’s was difficult for me. I told my family and close friends, and eventually trusted colleagues, but I struggled to find the right words.

From the moment I was diagnosed, I made it my mission to learn about Parkinson’s disease and find out what I could do to stay healthy and active for as long as possible. That research began with the [Parkinson’s Foundation website](/node/79 "Homepage").

As someone who has always prioritized fitness, I was relieved to learn that [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") is one treatment that might help slow the progression of PD. I found specialized trainers who work with people with neurological disorders and joined both group classes and one-on-one sessions. Exercise improved my balance and strength and helped me feel better overall. A surprise benefit was discovering a community of like-minded peers who stay active and live with Parkinson’s.

Early on, I formed a team and participated in Parkinson’s Foundation fundraisers such as [Moving Day](https://movingdaywalk.org/) and [Parkinson’s Revolution](https://parkinson.org/revolution). It felt good to walk or cycle with friends and raise money for a cause that matters deeply to me. I also took on other volunteer roles, because being involved with the community and helping others with PD helps me cope with the disease.

> Six years after my diagnosis, I try not to let Parkinson’s disease define me, but I can no longer pretend it does not slow me down.

In 2026, I was honored to participate in the [Parkinson’s Foundation PSA](/about-us/press-room/psa "Public Service Announcements") to help spread PD awareness. I chose to participate in the PSA because I want people to know that there are things you can do manage this disease and that being involved with the community and helping others with Parkinson's helps me live well with PD. [Check out the PSA now.](/about-us/press-room/psa "Public Service Announcements")

I am grateful for the support I have from friends and family, and I try to pay it forward by being available to people who reach out to me when they are [newly diagnosed](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons "New to Parkinson's") and overwhelmed. I mostly listen and then direct them to resources that have helped me.

**Explore the many ways you can [get involved](/how-to-help "How You Can Help") with the Parkinson’s Foundation to help spread PD awareness.**

  ##  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

   ![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  

 

 ![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  

 

 

 [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) 

 

 

 ###  Parkinson's Exercise Recommendations 

 The Parkinson's Foundation, in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine, created new Parkinson’s disease exercise recommendations to provide people with PD safe and effective exercise programs and instruction.

 [Download Fact Sheet](https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/documents/parkinsons-exercise-recommendations-infographic.pdf) 

 

 

 

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