In 2016, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) at the age of 31. To say this diagnosis was difficult would be an understatement. In that moment, I realized that the life I had always envisioned for myself was no longer a possibility. Instead of living my life as I saw fit, I now had to live my life according to what I could plan out. 

Does my job offer disability insurance? How should I approach building a family? Would my spouse even want to build a family knowing what is in store? How long do I have to save, and how much, before I can't work anymore? These are all questions that anyone diagnosed with a chronic illness must face. It took me 3 years to realize that the life I envisioned can still happen, it would just look a little different. 

Since that time, I have dedicated myself to spreading awareness and helping raise funds for Parkinson's. I've worked as a member of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council, and most recently I have summited mountains I never thought achievable. After all, Ali once said "it's not the mountain ahead that wears you down, but the pebble in your shoe." I take this quote literally and will continue to push myself to new heights. In 2026, on the 10-year anniversary of my diagnosis, I will be attempting to summit Mera Peak in Nepal. This 21,000 ft mountain will represent my journey with PD. While the journey will always be difficult, and often times I will want to break down, but I can't.

To those living with Parkinson's, I challenge each of you to enjoy what makes me happy, and what gives me hope. Challenge yourself every day. I see where I'm at in my life, and I look at where I can be. I want to be able to tell my daughter that you can do anything you put your mind to, and I want to mean that, and lead by example. I want to show that no matter the news, you can find your inspiration and life, and you can ALWAYS find your meaning. No matter where you are in your journey, you can always look up and see the mark you are leaving on this world. Challenge yourself, not only for yourself, but those around you.

Learn more about young-onset Parkinson’s disease 

Originally, a proud Appalachian from Elizabeth, WV, I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2018 after more than a decade of fairly mild symptoms beginning with a slight tremor in my hand. Unfortunately, by 2018 my Parkinson’s was getting markedly and quickly worse. 

Fortunately, at this time, I lived in Tucson, AZ, which is home to world-class treatment for people with Parkinson’s. Over the years, I have learned much about living a fruitful, productive and happy life with Parkinson's while my disease continues to advance — natural behavior for the incurable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the brain and central nervous system. 

After more than 20 years, Parkinson’s had become a great challenge in executing the many aspects of my career as a college president, researcher and a national leader of higher education reform. I transitioned from academic leadership shifting my focus on a purpose-driven mission of helping make lives better for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners, educating and bringing awareness to others about Parkinson's, and advocating to members of Congress for the passage of National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and other related bills. 

I have a doctorate and am a graduate of West Virginia University, School of Medicine and West Virginia University, College of Human Services and Education. I also attended, among other institutions, Marshall University, University of Louisville and West Virginia College of Graduate Studies.

I served 22 years as a medical examiner and 20 years in higher education, as a professor, dean, vice president, president, academic researcher, theorist, and author. 

After 18 years (13 without medication) living and challenging my Parkinson's journey each day, I accepted early retirement in 2023 concluding my career as a liaison for The White House Rural Stakeholders Initiative. 

I continue to volunteer, to the best of my ability, with Advanced Stage 5 Parkinson’s Disease and advocate for a range of bills, including bills to support the national Congressional education agenda, needs for American’s rural communities  and Appalachia, equity for women and girls in traditionally male dominated science careers, the rights of the LGBT and other marginalized communities, and issues surrounding Parkinson’s.

Unfortunately, I am too familiar with Parkinson's with my mother, five of her siblings, and her father all also having the disease.

Living well with Parkinson’s means continuing to volunteer, spending time with family and friends, and adapting to whatever challenges come my way. For me, living well meant to continue guiding and mentoring others to learn to live their Parkinson’s journey well too. It requires that we acknowledge that we have Parkinson’s without letting it have us. This belief is why I decided to serve in leadership and advocacy roles and leave my footprint stomping out the disease.

I became an Ambassador for the Parkinson's Foundation and the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's, and continue my advocacy before Congress and participate in research with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. 

I want to model living well for others and to show, motivate, and encourage others to do the same. Now retired, you will likely find me spending time with my wife, a Parkinson’s expert and my care partner, two children and four grandchildren. I will also be found collaborating in research. I love learning, encouraging others to mentor, learn and build successful and fulfilling lives while enriching the community, and Congressional advocacy on behalf of for The Episcopal Church and AARP.

Become an Ambassador today and help people with Parkinson’s! Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and complete the volunteer interest form. We’ll contact you to learn more about your skills and interests.

I’m Angela Carnahan — a wife, mother of two adult children and the Northwest Sr. Manager of Business Implementation for a telecom company. Staying active has always been essential for me, helping me manage the stresses of work and life. I was dedicated to Pilates, spinning, morning walks and my Peloton bike and tread… until everything shifted shortly after my 48th birthday. I began noticing my right hand shaking unexpectedly, a subtle tremor that soon became impossible to ignore or hide.

After visits to my primary doctor, an MRI, and a quick referral to a neurologist, specializing in movement disorders, I received a diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) just three months after my symptoms began. In disbelief, I sought further confirmation with a DATscan, which confirmed the diagnosis. 

Once the shock settled, I turned to research and found tremendous support through the Parkinson’s Foundation. They provided me with invaluable information and connected me to a community that understands this journey. 

I found my way to my first-ever PD research study — the Parkinson’s Foundation genetic study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s. Participating was incredibly easy, and I was happy to feel like I was helping the future for a cure. 

Thanks to encouragement from the Parkinson’s Foundation, I’m now heading into my fourth year participating in Parkinson's Revolution at TEAMride, and my third as a co-lead volunteer, helping to organize and raise funds for this event.

Exercise remains my anchor, as it’s the only proven way to slow Parkinson’s progression. This disorder can bring on symptoms like tremors, muscle cramping and balance issues — but my commitment to fitness has been a lifeline. 

My Pilates routines at InstaPhysique are specifically tailored to build strength, balance, stability and core endurance — all crucial for managing my symptoms. Joining my local Rock Steady Boxing group (Hope in Your Corner) has also greatly improved both my physical and mental resilience, keeping me strong in the face of Parkinson's challenges.

Find a PD-related exercise class near you! Explore classes through your local Parkinson’s Foundation chapter or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).