My PD Story

Gary Krajewski headshot
People with PD

Gary Krajewski

My Parkinsonism Story

In late 2018, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician noticed a resting tremor in my left hand, reduced left arm swing and a pill-rolling movement. After an MRI, I was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the diagnosis was later revised to Parkinsonism/atypical Parkinsonian syndrome. 

My symptoms have included a mild left-hand tremor, reduced arm swing, lightheadedness, balance issues and some urinary symptoms, while remaining relatively stable over time. 

Parkinsonism is a set of movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and other disorders. It describes symptoms rather than a specific disorder.

Atypical Parkinsonism is a group of progressive brain disorders with some of the symptoms seen in PD. Symptoms are often more serious early on.

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What has helped me!

After my diagnosis, I decided to focus on what I could do rather than what I had lost.

In 2024, I became a Parkinson’s Ambassador and helped launch a local PD Art & Music Night with support from Duke Health Movement Disorders Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. The event has grown successfully over multiple years. I am also involved with Moving Day and Parkinson’s Revolution fundraising efforts and began serving as a Board Member for the Parkinson’s Foundation Carolinas chapter in 2026. 

Managing Parkinsonism has centered on four daily priorities: exercise, speech, sleep and nutrition. I also maintain a daily art practice that helps me express my experiences living with Parkinsonism and supports others in the PD community. 

Advice

My advice for those newly diagnosed is to shift the question from “Why?” to “What?” Instead of asking why this happened, ask: 

What can I still do? 
What resources are available? 
What steps can I take today to live well? 

Focusing on those questions has helped me move forward with purpose and hope.

For me, it has been helpful to arrange Parkinson’s Foundation resources into a daily life survival kit. I believe that gives me a better perspective on WHAT I need every day.

Explore Parkinson’s Foundation resources today. 

Policy & Advocacy

Meet the Bill: The Paraquat Prevention Act

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

  • What the Paraquat Prevention Act would do
  • Why reducing paraquat exposure is a Parkinson’s prevention priority
  • Why bipartisan leadership matters
  • How you can raise the issue with Congress
Worker spraying toxic pesticides on plantation

One herbicide that has been linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD) is paraquat, a widely used commercial herbicide in the U.S. On June 18, Representatives Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican representing Florida, and Chellie Pingree, a Democrat representing Maine, introduced the Paraquat Prevention Act.

The bill would ban paraquat across the U.S. People who live or work near where paraquat is sprayed have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. If passed, this bill would protect farmers, farmworkers, rural families and other communities from unnecessary exposure.

What would the Paraquat Prevention Act do?

The Paraquat Prevention Act would: 

  • Require the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel the approvals that allow paraquat to be used
  • Implement a zero-tolerance policy for paraquat residue on food
  • Stop the sale and use of paraquat already in stock
  • Prevent paraquat from being approved for future use

Together, these steps would remove paraquat from the U.S. market and protect people regardless of where they live or work.

How can banning Paraquat impact Parkinson’s prevention?

Researchers are still working to better understand what causes Parkinson's, but growing scientific evidence links exposure to paraquat to an increased risk of developing the disease.

One study found that people who sprayed paraquat were more than twice as likely to develop Parkinson's as people who applied other pesticides. Although paraquat has been banned in more than 70 countries, it remains available for agricultural use in the U.S.

Not everyone exposed to paraquat will develop Parkinson's. However, reducing exposure to preventable environmental risks is one way public policy can help create a future where fewer people develop Parkinson's.

“By banning paraquat, the Paraquat Prevention Act would protect Americans and help create a world where fewer people develop Parkinson’s disease in the first place.”

— Andi Lipstein Fristedt, Parkinson’s Foundation Chief Strategy and Policy Officer

Preventing harmful toxic exposures is a public policy priority for the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Explore more Parkinson's Foundation policy priorities that focus on research, care, prevention and education. 

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Building on Progress in the States

States have begun taking action. In May, Vermont became the first state in the country to ban paraquat after advocacy from the Parkinson’s community and other public health groups. Thirteen other states have considered similar proposals this year, with Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania still ongoing.

State action can protect individual communities and build momentum, but a federal ban would provide the same protection to people nationwide.

Support Extends Across Party Lines

Representatives Luna and Pingree come from different political parties and represent different parts of the country. Their partnership reflects the growing recognition that protecting people from harmful environmental exposures should not be a partisan issue.

Voters agree. A national survey found that 67% of registered voters supported banning or limiting paraquat after learning that research has linked it to Parkinson’s. Support increased to 81% after voters learned more about potential exposure risks.

This broad support provides a strong foundation for lawmakers from both parties to come together around the bill.

Help Build Support While Congress Is Home

Introducing a bill is just the first step. It takes public support to build momentum and move legislation forward.

While Congress is in recess this August, members of Congress will return home to meet with constituents at town halls and community events. These meetings are an opportunity to share your Parkinson's story and ask one simple question: Will you support and cosponsor the Paraquat Prevention Act to ban paraquat nationwide? 

Our Advocacy Center has everything you need to find an event, prepare your story and make your voice heard. Not able to attend an event? Join the Parkinson’s Foundation Advocacy Network to receive policy updates and future opportunities to contact Congress.

Fundraising Events

2027 Double TCS London Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm EST
A family smiling at the camera after a Champion's event by the ocean.

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon with bibs available for the SATURDAY part of the event. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org.

Fundraising Commitments:
•    VIP - $10,000
•    Marathon - $5,000
•    Honorary Champion - $500

From Greenwich to The Mall – the sights, sounds and colours of London on Marathon Day make the 26.2-mile route one of the world’s best. Roaring crowd support, dozens of cheer zones, live bands and DJs turn the city into one big marathon party. Throw in famous landmarks and a picture-perfect finish and it’s easy to see why this is the bucket-list marathon. The TCS London Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, so this could be the start of your six-star journey!

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the London Marathon Homepage.
 

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Educational Events

Speech & Swallowing

Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

Providence, RI
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Educational Events

Mind, Mood, and Motion

10:00 am to 3:30 pm MDT
Free
Mind Mood and Motion Banner Updated

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms at every stage. This program explains how staying active supports movement, mood, and thinking- and may even slow disease progression. Participants will learn practical ways to build exercise into daily life for better mobility and overall well-being.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Educational Events

Speech & Swallowing

Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

Providence, RI
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

Cómo identificar y gestionar los riesgos de caídas con la EP

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST
Gratis
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Una pareja mirando una tableta juntos en su porche

Regístrese Aquí

Las caídas son una preocupación habitual para las personas que viven con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) y pueden tener un impacto significativo en la seguridad, la confianza y la participación. En este programa, exploraremos cómo el Parkinson afecta la marcha (caminar), el equilibrio y las maneras de reconocer los factores motores y no motores que pueden aumentar el riesgo de caídas. Los expertos compartirán estrategias prácticas para mejorar la seguridad y minimizar el riesgo de caídas, y así facilitar el equilibrio y la movilidad en la vida cotidiana.
 

10 a.m. hora del Pacífico (California)
11 a.m. hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Phoenix y Nuevo México)
12 p.m. hora del Centro (Texas y Ciudad de México)
1 p.m. hora del Este (Nueva York , Peru y Colombia)
2 p.m. hora de Venezuela
3 p.m. hora de Chile y Argentina
7 p.m. hora de España

*Por favor, verifica su zonas horarias.*

Presentadora

Ana Sanchez Junkin, DPT
Fisioterapeuta
Massachusetts General Hospital 

¿Busca algo más? Podrá encontrar todos nuestros videos de EP Salud en Casa en YouTube.

Más información:

Todos los eventos de “EP Salud en Casa" – Parkinson.org/EPSalud.

Una lista de nuestros recursos en español – Parkinson.org/Recursos

Línea de Ayuda – 1-800-473-4636, opción 3 para español.

EP Salud En Casa es presentado por Light of Day Foundation, cuya generosidad ha hecho posible esta programación.

Light of Day

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Educational Events

Speech & Swallowing

Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

Providence, RI
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium

9:00 am to 1:30 pm CDT
FREE
Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium banner

Living with Parkinson's can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life. This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

Event Overview:

9:00 a.m. CT - Check-in & Resource Fair
10:00 a.m. CT - Program begins
1:30 p.m. CT - Program end

Lunch will be served for all attendees.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.

Sponsor

Acadia2025

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Educational Events

Speech & Swallowing

Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

Providence, RI
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Fundraising Events

Flying Pig Marathon

6:30 am to 6:30 pm EST
A family smiling at the camera after a Champion's event by the ocean.

 

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2027 Flying Pig Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion, you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get an entry to the race in addition to fundraising support and team perks. 

Registration will open in September 2026. Email CPosner@Parkinson.org for details. 

 Fundraising Commitment: $750

It's the largest party weekend in Cincinnati, and you can be a part of it! Whether you're a runner or a walker, we'd love for you to join us. 

For information about the race itself, visit FlyingPigMarathon.com.

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Educational Events

Speech & Swallowing

Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

Providence, RI
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

From Research to Care

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm MST
Free
From Research to Care Banner

This program provides an overview of current Parkinson’s research and its impact on treatment and care. Participants will learn the difference between studies targeting symptoms and those aiming to slow disease progression. We will also explore recent advancements and how ongoing research may shape future therapies and personal care.

*This program may include moderately scientific terms and concepts.

This event is free and open to people with Parkinson's and their families. Registration is required as in-person seating is limited.

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Educational Events

Speech & Swallowing

Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

Providence, RI
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

Community Care Expo Utah

8:00 am to 10:30 am MDT
Free
Person holding multiple Parkinson's Foundation resource booklets

The Parkinson's Foundation Community Care Expo is an event designed to connect local professionals working in the Parkinson's community with resources for their Parkinson's patients and/or residents.

During our event, you’ll hear from a Movement Disorder Specialist, a home health director of Nursing, a Parkinson's fitness expert, and Parkinson's Foundation Staff about the many no-cost resources available to your team.

This Community Care Expo is free to attend, but registration is required. 

Speakers

Sherri Bickley, LMSW, M.Th., Executive Director, The HOPEamine Factory

Lissa Brock, BSN, RN, NC-BC, Director of Nursing, BrightStar Care – Salt Lake City

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Educational Events

Speech & Swallowing

Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

Providence, RI
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Podcasts

Episodio 37: Cómo identificar las señales — Problemas de deglución en el Parkinson

Muchas personas asumen que los problemas para tragar, o la disfagia, solo ocurren en las etapas más avanzadas de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). En realidad, como estos cambios pueden desarrollarse gradualmente y aparecer antes de lo esperado, la detección temprana es fundamental. Saber qué señales buscar puede ayudar a las personas con Parkinson y a sus seres queridos a obtener el apoyo y la atención que necesitan.

En la parte 1 de esta serie de dos partes, hablamos con Martha Suárez Torres, terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje y aliado en el cuidado de su esposo con Parkinson, sobre cómo los cambios al tragar pueden afectar a las personas con la EP y cuándo es momento de buscar ayuda de un especialista. También comparte estrategias para reconocer cambios en casa, manejar la deglución de manera segura y explica cómo los familiares y seres queridos desempeñan un papel importante al informar cambios con el tiempo. 

Manténgase atento a la parte 2, donde continuamos nuestra conversación con Martha mientras habla sobre cómo abordar los desafíos de comunicación al cuidar a alguien con Parkinson.

Durante el episodio, Martha menciona un curso en línea sobre cómo entender el papel de la atención neuropaliativa para apoyar a un ser querido con Parkinson. Obtenga más información aquí, actualmente disponible en inglés.

Recursos en español:

Puntos clave:

  • La detección temprana es fundamental para reconocer los cambios al tragar y recibir el tratamiento y el apoyo adecuados.
  • Los cambios al tragar pueden ser difíciles de detectar. Conocer las señales comunes puede ayudar a las personas con la EP y a sus aliados en la atención a notar un cambio y buscar apoyo.
  • Los especialistas del habla y el lenguaje con frecuencia pueden brindar atención en persona o por telesalud. Si el acceso a la atención es limitado, aprender estrategias prácticas y saber cuándo buscar apoyo profesional puede ayudar a las personas a seguir manejando los síntomas en casa.

Publicado: 28 de julio de 2026

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