My PD Story

“You don’t look like Parkinson’s.” That’s what the second neurologist told me, after the first simply asked “Have you ever thought about Parkinson’s?” I can honestly say up to that point, I never thought about Parkinson’s disease (PD). Ever. 

As a 47-year-old mother of two elementary school children, working full-time as a hospital administrator during a global pandemic, the idea of Parkinson’s seemed impossible.

I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2023, officially. So, I did what any mom would do, I started posting about Parkinson’s on TikTok. Weird right? But that is where I met lots of amazing people just like me. Friends and mentors, who showed me that there is life with YOPD.

One of them, Mark Millow, suggested I volunteer with the Parkinson’s Foundation.  I jumped at the chance to channel my enthusiasm with educating myself and others about the disease on social media, to something more tangible.

Shortly after completing my Parkinson’s Foundation ambassador training, I was appointed to Southwest Chapter board. It was at this time I decided to leave my career behind and focus on volunteering and spending more time with my family.

Along the way I have learned that there are many things, tips and tricks that the people who live the best with this disease share: exercise, positive thinking, being around others like themselves and giving back. The Parkinson’s Foundation is a great way to give back.

I have a loving husband, amazing kids and live one day at a time. There is a lot to be grateful for. Gratitude is another secret weapon in fighting Parkinson’s.

I don’t care about small things anymore. Parkinson’s changed my priorities in many ways. It reminds you what is important in life. Friends, family, time spent outdoors, good food and lots of adventures — because no one knows what the future holds.

I love to travel and make magical memories with my kids before they become teenagers and don’t think I’m cool anymore. But they are very impressed when one of my social media posts goes viral.

I’m not grateful for Parkinson’s, but I do appreciate some of the things that came with it. I hate the disease, but I love the people with it.

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