My PD Story

My journey into medicine began with a passion for solving problems and seeking answers, which naturally led me to neuroscience. However, witnessing my father, a Vietnam veteran, struggle with Parkinson’s disease (PD) became the pivotal moment that directed me toward Neurology and ultimately specializing in Movement Disorders. This deeply personal experience profoundly shaped my life and my family’s.

One unforgettable experience was transitioning my practice from an academic institution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address the unmet needs of veterans with movement disorders.

Driven by my father’s condition, this shift was both uplifting and challenging. This significant transition was driven by a clear unmet need and my desire to serve our veterans, honoring my father’s condition and his service to our country.

At the VA, I developed and lead a Movement Disorders Clinic, directing a Multidisciplinary Care Team to provide comprehensive, integrative care to veterans with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. This endeavor has been deeply fulfilling and reinforced my commitment to serving vulnerable populations and improving healthcare access.

My involvement with the Parkinson's Foundation began in 2018 as a board member for the Great Lakes Chapter. Throughout the years, I have supported the Foundation by giving various presentations on topics such as PD 101, Women and Parkinson's Disease, and Integrative Therapies and PD. I also participate in Moving Day with my team, Vets on the Move.

I am particularly proud of our efforts to mitigate health inequities in people living with Parkinson’s through targeted and tailored training in research advocacy. One of my most rewarding contributions has been to help develop a novel Learning Institute using culturally responsive pedagogy to train African Americans living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to collaborate with researchers and scientists as primary partners in the drug development process.

Additionally, I have given national lectures for the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the Black community, addressing issues such as late and misdiagnosis, treatment and overall care. I work to provide a framework on how to mitigate these disparities. I have also participated in various podcasts to raise awareness that Parkinson’s also affects African Americans.

Volunteering for the Parkinson's Foundation is more than just a commitment; it’s a deeply personal mission. Each effort, whether it’s a presentation, a lecture, or a podcast, is a step towards improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s, honoring my father’s struggle and ensuring that every person with PD receives the comprehensive, integrative care they deserve.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has been a beacon of hope and support, and through my volunteer work, I aim to give back to an organization that tirelessly works to better the lives of so many. My volunteer work is driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, to support an organization that supports so many, and to contribute to the fight against Parkinson’s disease with all the dedication and passion it deserves.

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