Cindy Finestone does it all. The on-the-go, soon-to-be first-time grandmother serves on community boards, enjoys the challenge of cooking a Sunday feast for her three adult children with minimal warning, goes to the gym six days a week and fundraises for causes she believes in. And she does it all fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD). 

Cindy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago. She’s heard enough misdiagnosis stories to know she is “one of the lucky ones.” After ruling out carpel tunnel, her neurologist told her to return if she noticed a tremor or funny feeling in her hand. “A lot of times people put things off and don’t address health problems right away, making it worse. A year after my initial visit, I began trembling in one hand. It happened twice in one day, so I got it checked out,” Cindy said.

Cindy thought it was unusual that her doctor was standing at the exam room door waiting for her. She later found out he was observing her gait and whether her arm was swinging. “He asked me questions like ‘Do you notice yourself drooling?’ and ‘How is your sense of smell?’ I left with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, an Azilect® prescription and a referral for a movement disorders specialist.”

Shortly following her diagnosis, Cindy began experiencing severe cervical dystonia (sustained and repetitive muscle spasms or cramps). The pain caused her to constantly look up and had an impact on her daily life. Her movement disorders specialist started Cindy on Botox injections, every three to five months, in her neck. “Parkinson’s caused the muscles in my neck to atrophy, so I started exercising like I never had before to strengthen my body,” Cindy said.

Fast forward to 10 years later, Cindy goes to the gym six days a week, sometimes seven. Once she found Rock Steady Boxing classes, her life changed for the better. “I don’t think she knows we have Parkinson’s,” a fellow boxing student once told her during a class. Cindy wouldn’t have it any other way. She now works with the Rock Steady Boxing instructor two times a week, in addition to her four weekly group boxing and core stretching classes.

“Exercise is not just about physical health, but mental health. I believe that the more you push yourself when exercising, the better your movements will be every day,” Cindy said. “I used to exercise before being diagnosed, but nothing like now. If I don’t go to the gym, I feel like something is not right.”

Between her treatments and her Rock Steady Boxing instructor focusing on strengthening her neck muscles (one of which was making her hold a tennis ball under her chin) Cindy’s dystonia dramatically improved. She was feeling better and ready to get involved in the PD community.

Community engagement is nothing new for Cindy. She grew up with parents who valued volunteering, she was a classroom mom, PTA leader and served on numerous local boards. She eventually found the Parkinson’s Foundation walk, Moving Day Rochester, NY. “I didn’t ask anyone to go with me. I didn’t feel comfortable asking people for money. I went by myself for years.”

One day her son’s teacher was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and he asked Cindy if she had heard of Moving Day. He could not believe his mom had been attending alone and insisted on not only going with her, but helping her team. Rock Steady Boxing Flower City was launched, and Cindy went into planning mode. She created jewelry and T-shirts to raise funds, along with her first Facebook account and page — and raised $5,000 in four weeks.   

Cindy eventually applied and was selected to serve on the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson's Advisory Council, a group of dedicated people in the PD community who advise and collaborate with the organization on a volunteer basis. She is also president elect and serves on the board of the Parkinson’s Foundation New York New Jersey Chapter.

“Being involved in the Parkinson’s Foundation makes me feel like I’m doing something that’s helping. Everything I do is somehow related to the Foundation. I attend a PD support group of 60 women, some of whom have become my closest friends—and I found this group through the Foundation. I call the Helpline for referrals. I go on Parkinson.org every time I feel a new symptom coming."

Cindy often gets asked about Parkinson’s because of the Parkinson’s Foundation lanyard she wears for her keys. She doesn’t shy away from hard topics and always advocates for finding your community, volunteering, and exercising. 

“Somedays Parkinson’s is more emotional than physical. You just don’t want to exercise; you want to get off the ‘train.’ But then I start thinking ‘What am I going to stay home for?’ You can modify everything you do based on how you feel,” Cindy said.

Cindy considers living with Parkinson’s to be a non-stop job. She even tailors her hobbies to find activities that can help with symptom management. While she notices that Parkinson’s has slowed her down, especially in the morning, she doesn’t let it stop her from living life. “I love being outside, golfing, and taking brisk walks. I play mahjong, do pottery and knitting classes — classes that can help in fine motor skills. I love cooking and spending time in my craft room, but volunteering is what keeps me busy, it keeps me aware.” 

This April, help the Parkinson’s Foundation advocate for Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Learn More.

I was 56 when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). Now, almost 10 years later, I look back on how the disease has affected my life but also how I continue to adapt. I never thought I’d be at the gym so much, or that I’d have to take early retirement, but I have learned that I am resilient and that even as the disease progresses, I can still have a great deal of joy in my life.

A few months before being diagnosed, I noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as a small tremor in my hand and a loss of smell. At the urging of my wife, I saw my primary care doctor, who suspected Parkinson’s. I then saw a general neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis.

I sought a second opinion at Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center because it is a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Northwestern Medicine Neurologist Danny Bega, MD, confirmed my diagnosis and created a personalized treatment plan addressing not only medications, but also lifestyle changes and exercise to manage symptoms and enhance my quality of life.

A central element of my life is attending Rock Steady Boxing classes specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s. I also attend Parkinson’s-specific ping pong, golf and Second City Improv classes. Who knew Parkinson’s could be so funny? Many of these initiatives have received Parkinson’s Foundation community grants.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has been a key resource for providing me and my family with ongoing education. I found the Hospital Safety Guide to be helpful when I was diagnosed and continue to use it as a resource. Each year, I attend the Parkinson’s Disease Patient and Caregiver Symposium, co-hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation and Northwestern Medicine, to stay updated on treatments and research. Through the Foundation’s events like Moving Day walks and Parkinson's Players activities, I have found support, camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

My journey with Parkinson’s disease has taught me many things. One is that Parkinson’s isn’t limited to older adults; it affects people of all ages and can happen to anyone.

I’ve also learned to celebrate milestones. I’ve been living with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, and every year that my symptoms are managed is a milestone. I appreciate that I have been able to live well enough to take several international trips with my wife and daughter since my diagnosis.

I am proud to have stuck with a vigorous exercise program over the years, and it’s paying off. I have definitely learned that exercise equals medicine, and the community of supportive coaches and friends is invaluable. I hope fellow people with PD will approach this disease with a positive attitude and a commitment to being active — and keep pushing to live the best life possible.

Learn more about the Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center. 

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our Fitness Friday videos. For in-person classes, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

In 2021, I received a weekly newsletter email from the local spin studio I’m a regular at in Sacramento, CA. The email was promoting the first Parkinson’s Revolution that would be held in just a few months. My grandfather (who we call “Papa”) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) about 10 years prior. I immediately clicked the link to sign up because I had to support this cause that I had a close connection with.

Once I signed up and learned that I could also fundraise for the event, I thought “hey, why not?!” and I started bugging family and friends to donate. Ride day arrived and I was eager to participate and maybe connect with other people who were indirectly affected by Parkinson’s in the way that I was. As I approached the check-in table, I was greeted with welcoming smiles from the lead volunteer and Parkinson’s Foundation staff who hyped me up for being the top fundraiser! I was so excited. Once the event was over, Foundation staff asked if I would be interested in volunteering and almost four years later… I’m still here!

My Papa is a retired fire captain, was an avid golfer, enjoyed running marathons and could build just about anything before his battle with PD. He is the strongest and most humble man I know. When he was diagnosed with PD, I didn’t understand what was ahead of us as a family. I never really knew what Parkinson’s was. Through his battle with the disease, we’ve watched him lose his ability to do the things he loves.

Volunteering for the Parkinson’s Foundation has not only been rewarding, but also humbling and cathartic for me. During my time as a volunteer, I have been so lucky to meet other amazing volunteers who do not let their diagnosis get in their way from achieving anything and everything they want. I’ve met other family members of people with Parkinson’s who understand the heartbreak of watching your loved ones lose the ability to do the things they love as they age in their battle.

The connections I have made through the Parkinson’s Foundation have taught me what perseverance, strength and support really mean. I am so grateful to my fellow committee members, event participants and Foundation staff for being the community I never knew I needed.

The resources the Parkinson’s Foundation provides are just as important to caregivers and family members as they are to those living with the disease. My Papa is a pillar in my support system and saved so many lives in his career, and so my volunteer work through the Foundation is the best way I can honor him.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has created a community that is unmatched, and I am so thankful to be a part of it and to keep fighting for those who can’t always fight for themselves.

Sign up for a Parkinson’s Revolution event near you and explore Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer opportunities.

When I was training for a professional dancing career, I never dreamed that the art form I was learning and loved with such passion would give me the skills to one day be of service to people with physical and cognitive limitations. But that is exactly what happened!

After performing, I had a long career teaching adult ballet technique in colleges and private studios. When I retired from my “day job” as human resources manager for San Francisco Ballet, I was asked to teach adult ballet at the San Francisco Ballet School. Shortly after joining the faculty, Patrick Armand,  then the director of the Ballet School, asked if I would be interested in teaching a dance class for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Adaptive dance for adults was a new offering and Patrick was an advocate of the program as his mother, a respected ballet teacher died with Parkinson’s.

I enthusiastically accepted the offer, and promptly made my way to receive training at the Mark Morris Dance Center where the Dance for PD program held teacher trainings. I immediately found teaching and choreographing for this population creative and rewarding. After teaching the class for a year, I met Gena Lennon, Director at the Parkinson’s Foundation who educated me about the Foundation and the many ways it supports the community (explore Parkinson’s Foundation resources and upcoming events).

With the support from a Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant, San Francisco Ballet School offers free weekly classes, social gatherings, tickets to ballet performances, dance education and more. Our classes are based in ballet — emphasizing joyful movement, artistry and fun. A ballet school pianist accompanies our class with beautiful music, while accessible choreography propels us forward in our love of the very thing that anyone with Parkinson’s must do — and that is to MOVE!

I have been motivated to learn more about how dance can improve the lives of older adults and recently attended Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training where I worked closely with the Sharing Dance Program Faculty which brings dance to adults with dementia at residential care facilities. 

We all learned through research and from clinicians that movement is medicine for people with Parkinson’s. San Francisco Ballet School invites all people affected by Parkinson’s, their family members and care partners to class in the studio or online.

Movement is a healthful and beautiful gift we can give ourselves.

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! To explore nearby in-person classes visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

For four years, my neurologist told me my tremors were nothing. One day, I was getting a haircut. My hairdresser asked me if I had ever been evaluated for Parkinson’s disease (PD), because my walk reminded her of her Dad who had PD. That shook me up! 

I asked my neurologist to reassess me. He said he thought my hairdresser was right. I switched doctors and my wonderful new neurologist confirmed that my tremors, coordination, slowness and rigidity challenges were indeed Parkinson’s. 

My usual upbeat mood became dark. For a while I isolated as fear of an unknown future gripped me. I called the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline, and asked many questions, read everything I could get my hands on. 

I learned of the Rock Steady boxing program for PD. I never imagined, at 71, that I would be learning how to box! I also started water aerobics. I’d always been a walker, as my husband and I have three rescue golden doodles who need as much exercise as we do!

I looked at boxing and water aerobics as chores I had to undertake for PD. However, what surprises me is that I have come to truly enjoy both activities! I also enjoy the socialization aspect of both, and not feeling alone. Over the last few months my boxing improved so much that I’ve added a regular class! 

Last week I saw my new neurologist. She told me that I have improved remarkably! My tremors are less frequent, less intense. My rigidly is gone. My coordination is better. I attribute this improvement to not only carbadopa levadopa, which I only recently started, but to boxing, water aerobics and walking.  

PD professionals who encourage vigorous exercise are right! The Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline specialists and my doctor stress exercise all the time!

I’ve come to know how critical it is to incorporate other resources as well. A loving, compassionate support system is vital. Socializing is paramount. Having fun with friends and family is medicine! A “most of the time” healthy diet matters! Meditation, rest and yoga are helpful as well! 

My advice is to find what works best for you! My mantra is the 3 P’s…Positivity, Peace, Proactivity. Living a full life is possible. Don’t give up. Help is out there.

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our Fitness Friday videos and events. For in-person classes, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

I’d like my Parkinson’s story to not be about living with limitations but rather about living with possibility. 

In 2015, my hometown of Union City, CA, and my fellow Mark Green Community Sports Center class attendees became the first Moving Day team, and received a Parkinson's Foundation community grant that made Union City’s Mark Green Sports Center the first Parkinson’s exercise program in the South East Bay a reality! Robert Magbanua Jr, our Parkinson’s fitness leader, trainer and program designer, and Corina Hahn, community program administrator were instrumental in making this happen.  

Over the years this program has grown to include caregiver support and classes that are offered five days a week and at home through Zoom. Robert’s charisma and enthusiasm keeps him in demand for speaking and leading attendees at Parkinson’s Foundation events all around the San Francisco Bay Area.  

About the same time as our first Moving Day event, I also became an advocate for awareness of the unique needs of women diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In good part, looking at inequities when it comes to decisions about efficacy of drugs and treatments, that in the first place ignored gender differences in research with predominantly male subjects, and therefore skewed dosages and outcomes. Moreover single women, either without spouses or widowed, are more often relegated to nursing home care because they lack the means to advocate for aging in place, a familiar home, or for a clean home-like setting with the privacy and dignity of individual care.

These days my Parkinson’s story focuses on living with possibility thanks to a Parkinson’s breakthrough now dating back 20 years ago called deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which I had two months ago. Still a miracle of science, it is a precision-driven, courageous team effort that has given me time in which some of the most debilitating features of Parkinson’s such as tremor and dystonia pain might be kept at bay, and I can have time to pursue activities and commitments  that promote heart, hope, energy, awe, curiosity and love. 

My Parkinson’s story? It is about “flourishing” with Parkinson’s disease and the “community to be found within it.”

Our Moving Day San Jose “Hop on the Union City A Train” team begins its ninth year raising funds, awareness and heartfelt support for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Let's not have to wait another 20 years for a breakthrough for Parkinson's! 

Thanks to my family and especially, my friends, my "ohana," my family through love, My Parkinson’s story continues!

Sex and gender differences can drastically impact health and are important to consider when it comes to Parkinson's. Explore our Women & Parkinson's page.

In 2019, my dad, Mark Spence, told us news that no amount of preparedness could brace for — he had a neurodegenerative disease by the name of Parkinson’s. This was a bittersweet moment — finally, we had an answer. Unfortunately, that answer was the beginning of an unceasing fight. A lifelong commitment to which my father had no choice except to partake in.

Seventeen at the time, I didn’t see the gravity of the situation. What I did see, however, was an absence of fear in my parents’ resolve. Uncertainty? Sure. Confusion? Certainly. Fear? Hopelessness? Absolutely not.

In the years that have followed, my parents have made sacrifices, changed their life plans, and been through an uncertain valley that is hard to imagine. Yet, they never changed their resolve. Certainly, sacrifices were nothing new — they did raise my sisters and me after all.

Challenges and obstacles were not a phenomenon unique to this new era of their lives. They are both incredibly hard workers who know the meaning of persistence. Regardless, their strength through it all became a beacon for my adolescent self. Twenty-one years old now, I have decided it’s my turn to be strong for my dad.

For years, I wanted to make a difference in Parkinson’s research and awareness, but simply could not think of how to go about that. On June 11, however, I was struck with an idea. While driving home from Athens, GA, I had been mulling over training for an endurance event, alongside my studies, when it hit me — why not combine my love for endurance events with my desire to help the PD community?

Honestly, this was a convicting moment. I knew I had a valid idea, but the process would inevitably require putting immense pressure on myself — to complete such a challenging event with so many eyes on me was terrifying. It was at this moment, however, that the strength of my parents was exactly the beacon I needed it to be. I can do it. I must do it.

The next day, I emailed the Parkinson’s Foundation about my idea. Not only did the Foundation support my idea, but they could also not have been more helpful in connecting me to the right people, answering all my questions, and helping me lay the groundwork for what the fundraiser has become. Throughout the past few months, I have made wonderful connections with amazing people within the PD community, and I am so excited to continue pushing forward as a Parkinson’s Champion.

Parkinson’s Champions raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the more prestigious endurance events. Are you ready to #Run4PD? Explore upcoming Champions events.

In late 2014, a gym member comes up to me after one of my exercise classes and told me that I would be the perfect person to teach exercise classes for the Parkinson’s community. Not knowing much about Parkinson’s disease (PD) at the time, I thanked her for the suggestion, and told her that I’d give it some thought.

I was so busy finishing up my graduate course work at the time that the idea quickly escaped my mind. However, over the course of the next year, this gym member was quite persistent in reminding me of the good I could do for the PD community with my Kinesiology and Personal Training background.

One particular day, she came up to me and told me about this great opportunity to apply for a Parkinson’s Foundation community grant, and that is where my journey with PD really began. That gym members name is Ann Boylan, and she was the inspiration for the Parkinson’s Exercise Program in Union City California.

My director (Corina Hahn), Ann, and I worked on the community grant application together. In our discussions, we planned to offer three premier PD exercise classes at the Mark Green Sports Center: Rock Steady Boxing, PWR! Moves, and Dance for Parkinson’s.

When we learned of the acceptance of our application, we were elated! Along with a few hand-picked instructors, I spent the year learning about PD and getting certified to teach PD exercise classes. My passion and previous experience with boxing and personal training helped me grasp the concepts quickly.

Since 2016, I have been involved with teaching and coordinating PD-specific exercise classes, support groups and special events that benefit the PD community. Throughout the years, we’ve been awarded additional community grants to help expand our reach, both in-person and virtually.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has made this incredible journey I’ve been on possible. I pay it forward by participating in the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day event each year through fundraising, leading exercise demonstrations and lending my voice on stage, when needed.

Keeping this program going was not without its hardships. In getting to know our students, we also began to know their struggles, pain and darkest thoughts. In these moments, the one approach and mindset I’ve had was to focus on what was within my own control: my attitude, my exercise prescription, and my energy in and out of class.

I’ve seen first-hand just how effective exercise can be in improving movement quality and mental health. This benefit only increases when we put exercise into a group setting with others who are walking the same path and experiencing the same struggle. It has been a pleasure to lend my hand and expertise to the fight against PD. I want to thank my fellow instructors: Carmen Davis, Michael Quebec, Nancy Flores, Jessica Vazquez, and all the staff who have ever assisted in our exercise classes.

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, try our on-demand Fitness Friday videos through our PD Health @ Home program. For an in-person class near you, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).