My PD Story

Parkinson’s disease (PD) doesn’t just change the life of the person diagnosed — it changes the lives of everyone around them. Seven years ago, my family’s world shifted when my dad was diagnosed.  

Since then, it has been a battle, one that hasn’t gotten any easier. On top of Parkinson’s, he faces several other health issues making it an uphill climb. Through it all, my mom has been his primary caretaker, but this isn’t a journey any one person can take alone. We all live together, and we all do our part to support him in any way we can. 

For as long as I can remember, sports have been the foundation of my relationship with my dad. He played college baseball, and I followed in his footsteps, always looking up to him as my biggest role model. Some of my best memories are of us throwing a football around in the yard or having a catch in the driveway.  

It wasn’t just about the game — it was about the bond we shared through it. The physical toll of the disease slowly chipped away at the things we used to do together, until one day, those moments were gone. 

Losing that connection to my dad through sports was one of the hardest parts of this journey. But Parkinson’s, for all the challenges it brings, has also shown me something else: strength. Not just in my dad, but in my entire family. It’s in the way my mom dedicates herself to his care every single day. It’s in the way my dad keeps fighting, even when his body makes it more difficult with each passing year. And it’s in the way we’ve all learned to adapt, to find new ways to be there for him, to make sure he never feels alone in this fight. 

That’s why I’m running the 2025 Boston Marathon as a Parkinson’s Champion through the generosity of Abbott. I can’t change my dad’s diagnosis, and I can’t take away the struggles he faces, but I can run for him.  

I can push myself the way he always pushed me to be better, to work harder, to never give up. This race isn’t just about me — it’s about honoring him, about raising awareness, about fighting for those who live with Parkinson’s every day. 

Training for this marathon has been tough. Some days, the miles feel never-ending, and I wonder if I have it in me to keep going. But I remind myself why I’m doing this — for my dad. He faces challenges every day that make a tough run seem insignificant. 

This race is my way of showing up for him. It’s a way to honor him and all that he has done for myself and my family even in the face of extreme adversity. 

Learn more about Abbott’s DBS Ambassador Program. 

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.