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  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories)
 
  

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![tom_graffeo](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/tom_graffeo.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=btBMPZ_3)  

 Care Partners 

##  Tom Graffeo 

 

  My involvement with Parkinson’s disease (PD) goes back to the summer of 2006 when my partner was diagnosed at the age of 43 as having [young-onset PD](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons "Young-Onset Parkinson's").

It was quite a shock to us at the time. We had only been together for a year. As we left the doctor’s office, I asked him what he needed from me.

“If you’re going to leave, leave now, don’t wait,” he said. “I will understand.”

Well, here we are 15 years later. He didn’t get rid of me that easily.

Not to say the disease has not presented its challenges and anxieties over the years, but we are fortunate to have so many options available to us that help us [cope with the stress](/library/fact-sheets/stress "Stress Management for PD") and the challenges.

Being active has helped him slow the progression and we [travel](/living-with-parkinsons/management/traveling "Traveling with Parkinson's") all the time!

We are both very involved in the [Parkinson's Foundation Great Lakes Chapter](/greatlakes "Great Lakes Chapter") and stay connected in all that they do. I strongly encourage everyone to get involved in their [local chapter](/your-area "In Your Area") or take advantage of the online [events](/resources-support/events "Events") and educational resources available to you.

  ##  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

   ![Jordan and his dad](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/jordan-levin-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=iXWnmqlh)  

 Care Partners 

###  [ Jordan Levin ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/jordan-levin) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Kimberly O’Roark headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Kimberly-ORoark-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=3GKsm-4c)  

 Care Partners 

###  [ Kimberly O’Roark ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/kimberly-oroark) 

  READ NOW  

 

 ![Christine and her dad at a baseball game](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/christine-rowley-pd-story-preview.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=vGc6e0Op)  

 Care Partners 

###  [ Christine Rowley ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/christine-rowley) 

  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) 

 

 

 

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