My PD Story

I am running the 2025 Boston Marathon for the Parkinson’s Foundation through the generous support of Team Abbott because of a deeply personal connection to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a lifelong commitment to raising awareness and funds for research.

Ten years ago, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, an event that forever changed the course of our lives. It marked the beginning of a journey that has been challenging but also transformative.

As a primary care doctor, I witness the impact of Parkinson’s every day through my patients, many of whom struggle with the same symptoms that my father faces. I am driven to take action, not just as a caregiver to my dad, but as a physician, advocate and athlete with a mission to make a tangible difference in the fight against Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, causing tremors and rigidity. While the symptoms are debilitating, what is often overlooked is the emotional and psychological toll it takes on both patients and their families. Watching my father navigate these challenges has fueled my passion to raise awareness about the disease, promote research into better treatments, and ultimately find a cure.

Running in the Boston Marathon is not just an athletic challenge for me; it is a personal commitment to honor my father’s resilience and to support the Parkinson’s Foundation in its efforts to improve the quality of life for people living with this disease.

In 2021, I ran the Philadelphia Marathon for the Parkinson’s Foundation as a Parkinson’s Champion and was able to raise $10,000 for the cause. That experience was incredibly rewarding, not only because of the financial support I was able to provide but also because it helped me connect with others who were similarly affected by Parkinson’s. I learned firsthand how powerful a community can be when it comes together with a shared purpose.

That race reignited my drive to do more, to be part of something bigger than myself. My goal now is to raise $100,000 over the course of my life for the Parkinson’s Foundation. This is not just about hitting a financial target — it is about making a real and lasting impact in the lives of those battling Parkinson’s and supporting the critical work of the Foundation.

Running the Boston Marathon is a way for me to push my own limits in honor of those who face the challenges of Parkinson’s every day. Each mile I run will be a reminder of the obstacles my father faces, the struggles of my patients, and the countless others affected by this disease.

It is my hope that my efforts inspire others to join this cause and to remember that together, we can make a difference.

Run as a Parkinson’s Champion today! Help raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events.