Finding Strength, Hope, and Purpose 

When I think of the words courage and strength, I think of my beautiful mom. Her name is Deanna and at her wise age of 77, she still manages to find ways to inspire me. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) a few years ago after my parents retired and moved to a little beach town in the coast of Ecuador. But you never know what being diagnosed really means until you actually face it. 

The first time I saw my mom after her diagnosis, PD became very real. Seeing her unable to control the tremors and drag her feet made her seem so frail. I felt hopeless but my mom doesn’t give up easily and every day she finds ways to feel like herself. 

Overcoming the Challenges 

To say that witnessing my mom’s battle with PD from thousands of miles away is difficult, is an understatement. I only see my mom once a year and through the physical distance is challenging, our emotional bond has only gotten stronger. 

I’m grateful for the small ways I can support her even from afar. Despite everything she’s endured since her diagnosis, my mom refuses to let Parkinson’s define her and embraces every day with a positive attitude. She shares her story to bring awareness and help those who also need the strength not to give up. 

My Advice

I am not equipped to offer advice to anyone newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but as someone watching her mom manage PD, I can say that showing kindness and patience can be the best act of love. Simple things like signing your name, walking and even talking can be difficult for people with PD. When I’m with my mom I do things at her pace. When we’re on the phone, I take the time to really listen. 

Proud of Our Supportive Community 

My employer ChromaDex, makers of Tru Niagen, is a pioneer in healthy aging research and a proud sponsor of the Parkinson’s Foundation and I love how supportive they’ve been of my involvement in Parkinson’s initiatives. Working at ChromaDex and having direct access to scientific research on NAD+ has helped me better understand the science behind cellular health and how lifestyle stressors may affect the way we age. It’s given me a new perspective and further motivation to find ways to help my mom. 

Through the Parkinson’s Foundation, my mom is able to use their online mobility and education classes since they’re available in multiple languages, including Spanish. These resources have proven to be especially valuable for my mom. 

My friend and colleague Suhad, whose father was also affected by PD before his passing in 2015, has joined me as a Parkinson’s Champion to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. As we prepare for our 10K run at the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend event in Anaheim, CA, we are most appreciative for all the physical abilities we have that allow us to run and honor our parents today.

Explore the many ways you can support the Parkinson’s Foundation today!

After living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) for more than 30 years, I know how it impacts a person’s life and their loved ones.  

I first noticed tremors in my arm while participating in a fox hunt. It took more than eight years and several specialist visits to finally confirm my symptoms were a result of Parkinson’s disease.  

While my journey has not always been smooth, I’ve found happiness in keeping PD at bay by taking control of my treatment and working to overcome the physical and emotional effects of Parkinson’s. I’ve learned that viewing life through Parkinson’s can help you cherish each positive moment and work toward fulfilling your dreams. 

After all I’ve been through with this disease, I want to offer some advice that has worked for me to manage Parkinson’s. I recently wrote “Thirty Years with Parkinson’s Disease The Unscientific Truth” as a free study or self-help guide, using my life experience as an example. If you are interested in reading it, please contact Kelly Austin at kaustin@parkinson.org. Here are some of the thoughts I share in it: 

• Create an action plan that includes several small steps you can take on gradually. 

• Be your own advocate. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to question your treatment plan. 

• Find a quarterback in a doctor, someone who can help you navigate PD. 

• Determine what matters most to you and those you care about. Use this as a guide for your care plan so that you can achieve your goals and pursue your interests. 

• Add lots of exercise and mental stimulation into your life to keep your brain and body working. Don’t crawl into a fox hole and never get out. 

I would not have been able to fight this disease for so long if it were not for the support of my late wife, Adrienne, my family and my doctor. For more than 20 years, I drove 100 miles to see Dr. Lucien Côté, at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. He was an incredible man and doctor. He spent so much time with each of his patients, asking them questions and taking meticulous notes and forming treatment plans that were tailored to each patient. I am forever grateful to him, and I miss his kindness, comfort and wisdom. 

Explore Parkinson’s Foundation resources for the PD topics and symptoms that matter most to you right now.
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I am also grateful for organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation. Parkinson’s is not episodic, but I’ve found the medical world is set up to treat things in snapshots. That is not how Parkinson’s works, so people are often stuck looking for resources and support themselves. The Parkinson’s Foundation is wonderful because it provides education and helps people navigate the disease to live well. As proof of my gratitude for their educational work, I have made a substantial planned gift to the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

I firmly believe every person should have a life, even if they are fighting a disease like PD. I’m very protective of “me” and I don’t let the disease control me. I prioritize exercise and singing in my church choir. I’ve traveled and spent many years riding my motorcycle around the country with my wife. Today I ride a tadpole-configured, fat boy recumbent trike. I have never run from PD. I embrace it and the surprises it brings to my life. I hope these tips help others do the same. 

Make a lasting impact with a planned gift to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Learn more at Parkinson.org/PlannedGiving.

Once upon a time, I started noticing a slight tremor in my right hand. My husband noticed that I did not move my right arm when jogging. I also suffered from frozen shoulder(s), insomnia, constipation, anxiety and fatigue for years.

Doctors continuously told me it was menopause related. Over time, the tremor became more noticeable, and my doctor suggested I see a neurologist, just to “be safe.”

I met with a movement disorders specialist — a neurologist with specialized training in movement disorders — and on November 11, 2015, she confirmed the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). I will never forget that day. I was devastated and frightened.

At the suggestion of the movement disorder specialist, I signed up for the local young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) support group. I went to the first meeting and cried seeing how PD affects people. I cried every time I had to tell someone about the diagnosis. I cried thinking about how life had changed. I cried all the time. Through all this turmoil, my neurologist promised me that life was not over, but I had to take control, no matter how hard it got.

So, we took control. We retired early and moved to Florida. It is here that I signed up for Rock Steady Boxing. I am a fighter and have met the most amazing people at Rock Steady Boxing. I also attend spin classes and Pilates as part of my personal goal to keep on moving! It still felt like there was more I could do to change the trajectory of my life. Yep, there sure was. Enter Parkinson’s Foundation.

I connected with the Parkinson’s Foundation through Moving Day Chicago (my hometown). When we moved to Florida, I attended Moving Day Boca Raton and Palm Beach. I signed up for PD GENEration and three other clinical studies. I attended Foundation-sponsored seminars, which is where I met Karen Lopez and became involved in the local chapter.

Today I am a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador, a Board Member on the Fund Development team, and I was honored to be the Chair of a successful Moving Day Palm Beach 2024. I have also been part of our Regional Grant Review team for the past two years and I sign up for every relevant clinical trial.

I really enjoy volunteering. I see it as another way to celebrate movement. I move my brain cells around; I motivate my soul to do good things; and volunteering moves forward the search for a cure. Volunteering is really the most effective way to use one’s voice. Being awarded the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Service Award is the ultimate recognition of how important it is to advocate for ourselves and others affected by PD.

PD has changed my life. I am married to a host of medications governed by a time clock, and I deal with nasty and unpredictable symptoms, and it is truly humbling! However, living with Parkinson’s is also a true blessing in that it has given me the gift of friendship, support and has shown me the way to help advocate for others.

Explore the many ways to volunteer with the Parkinson’s Foundation. Fill out our volunteer interest form today.

Many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) try speech therapy to combat the changes in voice and speech that are often the earliest signs of Parkinson’s. But Rod Marino went a step further and purchased a karaoke machine so he could start singing on his own, in his basement.

Rod has lived with Parkinson’s for 24 years and has learned to battle the disease with a positive attitude, great sense of humor and a song. He keeps his body strong by staying active and riding a stationary bike every day. He keeps his mind sharp by being active in the community as a board member for the local senior center. He keeps his soul sharp through music. 

Rod found out about the Parkinson's Foundation from one of his doctors when he was first diagnosed, who recommended visiting Parkinson.org for helpful information. Early on, Rod read that voice dysfunction and speech issues are the earliest sign of motor impairment in Parkinson’s — specifically that the voice softens as the disease progresses. 

To combat the issue, he decided to take voice lessons and now sings every day! After setting up his karaoke machine and using it consistently, his voice therapy turned into passion, and he started singing in public. 

Rod finds happiness in making other people happy. He does just that spending time at the local senior center, visiting with members and hosting events, like weekly bingo. He also oversees a singing group that his wife, Diane, conducts. 

In time, he formed a band called the Don-Rod Duo with a friend.  The band performs at the Sheila Ray Center in Elk Grove Village (IL), farmers markets and other locations in the community.  

Diane introduces the duo by telling the story of how music and song have helped Rod maintain his voice. The duo takes the stage and sings a wide range of cover songs that range from Dean Martin and Neil Diamond to Frank Sinatra, adding jokes to entertain the audience. 

Today he shares his music and tells his story to the audience members. Stories about his Parkinson’s sometimes come into the light, helping spread awareness about the disease.   

Rod's biggest piece of advice is to be open about having Parkinson's and allow family members and friends to help whenever possible. People should not be alone on the journey, as he has found that loved ones are eager to help in any way that they can.

Rod's motto is "Don't give up and stay involved." He is a true inspiration to so many members of the community. He wishes to share his story, so that others may learn how music has helped him on his Parkinson’s journey.

Explore local Parkinson’s classes, wellness programs, in-person events and more when you connect with your Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter. Find your chapter now.

At 48 years old, I heard the words "Troy, you have Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease." It took me some time, but as a public speaker who invites audiences to define success and fulfillment on their own terms, I knew I had to figure out a way to start wrapping my personal stories of Parkinson’s into each presentation. And I did.

On July 12, 2017, I had the opportunity to look into my own life to find strength and inspiration. After more than 18 months of chronic and debilitating pain, fatigue, tremors and other symptoms, I finally had an answer: Parkinson’s. This life-altering diagnosis put my lifelong beliefs to the ultimate test.

Over the next few years, I began finding ways to get involved and build my Parkinson’s community. I became active in organizations that support those dealing with chronic and life altering health conditions, which has helped me gain perspective on my own situation. My recent activity as a Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter board member is an extension of that work.

Continuing to be a public speaker has inspired me as I am able to incorporate the learnings from my own journey and the stories of other's journeys to provide inspiration to audiences.

I’ve had time to think of advice I’d give to others who are new to Parkinson’s, including:

• First, there is not one path in navigating this journey. Each of us must make decisions that are best for ourselves and those who are present to support us.

• Learn as much as possible about your symptoms and characteristics that have led to your diagnosis. Because PD manifests itself in unique paths to each person, gathering as much information and perspectives is key to making wise decisions on treatment.

• Find a care team that best aligns with your needs. Don't be scared to change that team as time evolves. Your disease will evolve, and sometimes that means changing the team members is needed.

• Turn to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The vast amount of information, data and research findings pushed out through emails, Parkinson.org and events has been significant in keeping me informed and hopeful.

My expertise in public speaking has been acquired through years of studying, asking questions of, presenting to and consulting with audiences and groups from Fortune 500 firms to leadership conferences. These principles and traits include hitting control+alt+delete to redefine societal defaults for success; establishing and measuring goals with specific strategies; finding wisdom to overcome adversity and inevitable change.

Now, especially after releasing my first book, Change Is Inevitable, Growth is Optional, I continue to be inspired by the tremendous stories of others who have faced adverse change and find a pathway to growth. This inspiration has led me to me to participate in such experiences as running in masters track meets, fundraising for worthy causes, and speaking before audiences to share my experiences.

Everything so far has led me to my newest way to advocate for people with Parkinson’s: becoming a Parkinson’s Champion and hosting my first fundraiser. On June 8, I will be competing as a Parkinson’s Champion in the 6 in 6 Challenge. I will compete in six track and field running events on the same day in approximately six hours.

I chose the number six because every six minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In the roughly six hours it takes me to complete the 6 in 6 Challenge, 60 people will learn of their new Parkinson's diagnosis.

Long before public speaking, running was always my passion. I have been active as a runner since my teenage years. I ran track, coached high school and middle school track, and ran a triathlon (which may be the next challenge.)

In my Parkinson’s experience, I challenge my body each day to get stronger and maintain strength so that I can delay the disease. But for many people with Parkinson's, simple physical activities are an extreme challenge. For those who can't challenge themselves to the level I still can, I am honored to take on a new physical challenge in their honor.

Support Troy’s Parkinson’s Champion event, 6 in 6 Challenge, or learn more about becoming a Parkinson’s Champion.

My Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis started one morning when my wife said to me that I should see a doctor about how I was walking.  She had noticed that my gait had changed, and had been searching online for reasons why. As soon as she mentioned it to me, I realized she was right, and I became very aware of how my movement had changed.

I started with my regular doctor who after watching me walk and noticing an occasional tremor in my hand told me that it was likely Parkinson’s. She told me everyone’s journey with Parkinson’s was different. She referred me to a neurologist who ordered a DAT scan that confirmed my results were consistent with Parkinson’s. 

The diagnosis was confirmed on January 5, 2023, about one week before we embarked on a 111-day world cruise. My neurologist encouraged me to take the cruise and just be careful on the cobble stone streets around the world. “Just don’t fall.” It was the trip of a lifetime, and I was able to do almost everything I wanted.

After returning from the cruise, I made an appointment with a neurologist who was a family friend, and he also confirmed the diagnosis. He was in Los Angeles and a five-hour drive from my home in Las Vegas.  It wasn’t practical in the long term, so he referred me to the Cleveland Clinic at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. 

Fortunately, my doctor at the Cleveland Clinic was also the Principal Investigator for a new Parkinson’s medication. I was accepted into the Phase three trial and didn’t think twice about participating, even though you don’t know if you’re in the placebo group or the drug group.

Participating in research led me to new opportunities, including being invited to speak about my drug trial experience at a Cleveland Clinic event. This event was also my introduction to the Parkinson’s Foundation. In just three months, I began exploring and utilizing Parkinson’s Foundation resources, which motivated me to apply to the People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council and to become a research advocate for the Foundation.

Throughout my research experience, I have learned that it’s challenging to enroll participants in drug trials for many reasons. I didn’t think twice about participating in the trial because it is an opportunity to not only help my own Parkinson’s symptoms, but to help other people who will be diagnosed with PD in the future. 

I found myself constantly checking for any change in my condition to see if I could tell which trial group I was assigned. After 27 weeks of phase three participation, I will move to the Phase four trial and receive the new drug for an entire year.

In the last two months I’ve joined a gym and started playing racquetball again. I’ve noticed my better days are the active ones. Staying active really makes a difference for me. I think of exercise as important as medication for my Parkinson’s journey.

I have started attending Parkinson’s events and grow my participation in the PD community here in Las Vegas. I find that events let me meet other people with PD, which is different than reading about someone’s journey online. I find it helpful to reading about PD news and studies to help me understand the state of the disease.

I would encourage everyone to see a neurologist as early as possible when you display early symptoms, such as the loss of sense of smell and active/restless sleep. I had these symptoms more than 10 years ago but never understood they would be the early steps towards Parkinson’s.

Find a PD-trained neurologist using our In Your Area search feature or by calling our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).