My PD Story

My Life, My Plight, My Parkinson's: The Story of the Tin Man

I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) in 2015 — the same year I was immersed in my career as a Director and Executive Producer of NBC's "Last Call with Carson Daly." Like Dorothy at the start of her journey in The Wizard of Oz, I had no idea how drastically my life was about to change.  

My career was soaring, yet just like Dorothy being swept into a tornado, my diagnosis upended everything I thought I knew about myself and my path. 

It started with a slight tremor in my left hand and lingering stiffness — symptoms I dismissed as remnants of old rugby and snowboarding injuries. When they worsened, I sought help. An initial misdiagnosis of damaged neck discs gave way to the truth: Parkinson’s disease (PD), early-onset. 

Unexpected and utterly life-altering. I felt like the Tin Man, frozen in place, unsure how to move forward. "We’re not in Kansas anymore," I thought. I kept the diagnosis private, needing time to process before sharing it with others. 

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Fear crept into every part of my life. Parkinson’s relentless progression felt like it was stripping away pieces of me, leaving me rusted and stuck. I’d tell others, “I’m not afraid of dying—I’m afraid of living with Parkinson’s.” Yet this thought anchored me, pushing me to fight for the life I still wanted. After failed treatments, I finally found proper care with the exceptional neurology team at Columbia University, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, where I was placed on a path to deep brain stimulation (DBS).

In 2023, the first DBS surgery targeted my brain’s right side, calming the severe symptoms on the left side of my body. The results were transformative, significantly reducing my reliance on medication and restoring pieces of my life.

A second surgery in 2024 further stabilized me, targeting the left side of my brain to address symptoms on the right side of my body, which had begun progressing. Much like the Tin Man getting his oil, these surgeries didn’t just ease symptoms — they brought me real hope. For the first time in years, I felt like my heart was back. 

Although life-changing treatment brought hope, there were still obstacles impacting my professional creative sanctuary, yet I remained determined not to let Parkinson's win. I poured my passion into meaningful projects like co-executive producing CBS’s “Angels of Hope,” a successful fundraiser to combat homelessness. Collaborating with nonprofits like the Global Lyme Alliance gave me purpose and fulfillment. I began sharing my story at Columbia and Stony Brook Universities, hoping to inspire others.  

As a proud brand ambassador for Abbott Technologies, I advocate for the life-changing benefits of DBS. Like the Tin Man, who needed oil to move, I rely on medication to function — but I’ve regained hope and purpose. 

The unwavering love and support of my girlfriend and daughter reminded me that I am more than my diagnosis. Gratitude became my armor, empowering me to move forward. Living with Parkinson’s has taught me resilience, purpose and the understanding that life beyond a diagnosis is still full of endless possibility. Like Dorothy, I discovered there’s truly no place like home — and there’s no greater journey than finding your heart again. 

Looking to build your support network? Explore our In Your Area feature on our website or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for your nearest support groups and exercise classes.