Once upon a time, I started noticing a slight tremor in my right hand. My husband noticed that I did not move my right arm when jogging. I also suffered from frozen shoulder(s), insomnia, constipation, anxiety and fatigue for years.

Doctors continuously told me it was menopause related. Over time, the tremor became more noticeable, and my doctor suggested I see a neurologist, just to “be safe.”

I met with a movement disorders specialist — a neurologist with specialized training in movement disorders — and on November 11, 2015, she confirmed the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). I will never forget that day. I was devastated and frightened.

At the suggestion of the movement disorder specialist, I signed up for the local young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) support group. I went to the first meeting and cried seeing how PD affects people. I cried every time I had to tell someone about the diagnosis. I cried thinking about how life had changed. I cried all the time. Through all this turmoil, my neurologist promised me that life was not over, but I had to take control, no matter how hard it got.

So, we took control. We retired early and moved to Florida. It is here that I signed up for Rock Steady Boxing. I am a fighter and have met the most amazing people at Rock Steady Boxing. I also attend spin classes and Pilates as part of my personal goal to keep on moving! It still felt like there was more I could do to change the trajectory of my life. Yep, there sure was. Enter Parkinson’s Foundation.

I connected with the Parkinson’s Foundation through Moving Day Chicago (my hometown). When we moved to Florida, I attended Moving Day Boca Raton and Palm Beach. I signed up for PD GENEration and three other clinical studies. I attended Foundation-sponsored seminars, which is where I met Karen Lopez and became involved in the local chapter.

Today I am a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador, a Board Member on the Fund Development team, and I was honored to be the Chair of a successful Moving Day Palm Beach 2024. I have also been part of our Regional Grant Review team for the past two years and I sign up for every relevant clinical trial.

I really enjoy volunteering. I see it as another way to celebrate movement. I move my brain cells around; I motivate my soul to do good things; and volunteering moves forward the search for a cure. Volunteering is really the most effective way to use one’s voice. Being awarded the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Service Award is the ultimate recognition of how important it is to advocate for ourselves and others affected by PD.

PD has changed my life. I am married to a host of medications governed by a time clock, and I deal with nasty and unpredictable symptoms, and it is truly humbling! However, living with Parkinson’s is also a true blessing in that it has given me the gift of friendship, support and has shown me the way to help advocate for others.

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

Many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) try speech therapy to combat the changes in voice and speech that are often the earliest signs of Parkinson’s. But Rod Marino went a step further and purchased a karaoke machine so he could start singing on his own, in his basement.

Rod has lived with Parkinson’s for 24 years and has learned to battle the disease with a positive attitude, great sense of humor and a song. He keeps his body strong by staying active and riding a stationary bike every day. He keeps his mind sharp by being active in the community as a board member for the local senior center. He keeps his soul sharp through music. 

Rod found out about the Parkinson's Foundation from one of his doctors when he was first diagnosed, who recommended visiting Parkinson.org for helpful information. Early on, Rod read that voice dysfunction and speech issues are the earliest sign of motor impairment in Parkinson’s — specifically that the voice softens as the disease progresses. 

To combat the issue, he decided to take voice lessons and now sings every day! After setting up his karaoke machine and using it consistently, his voice therapy turned into passion, and he started singing in public. 

Rod finds happiness in making other people happy. He does just that spending time at the local senior center, visiting with members and hosting events, like weekly bingo. He also oversees a singing group that his wife, Diane, conducts. 

In time, he formed a band called the Don-Rod Duo with a friend.  The band performs at the Sheila Ray Center in Elk Grove Village (IL), farmers markets and other locations in the community.  

Diane introduces the duo by telling the story of how music and song have helped Rod maintain his voice. The duo takes the stage and sings a wide range of cover songs that range from Dean Martin and Neil Diamond to Frank Sinatra, adding jokes to entertain the audience. 

Today he shares his music and tells his story to the audience members. Stories about his Parkinson’s sometimes come into the light, helping spread awareness about the disease.   

Rod's biggest piece of advice is to be open about having Parkinson's and allow family members and friends to help whenever possible. People should not be alone on the journey, as he has found that loved ones are eager to help in any way that they can.

Rod's motto is "Don't give up and stay involved." He is a true inspiration to so many members of the community. He wishes to share his story, so that others may learn how music has helped him on his Parkinson’s journey.

Explore local Parkinson’s classes, wellness programs, in-person events and more when you connect with your Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter. Find your chapter now.

At 48 years old, I heard the words "Troy, you have Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease." It took me some time, but as a public speaker who invites audiences to define success and fulfillment on their own terms, I knew I had to figure out a way to start wrapping my personal stories of Parkinson’s into each presentation. And I did.

On July 12, 2017, I had the opportunity to look into my own life to find strength and inspiration. After more than 18 months of chronic and debilitating pain, fatigue, tremors and other symptoms, I finally had an answer: Parkinson’s. This life-altering diagnosis put my lifelong beliefs to the ultimate test.

Over the next few years, I began finding ways to get involved and build my Parkinson’s community. I became active in organizations that support those dealing with chronic and life altering health conditions, which has helped me gain perspective on my own situation. My recent activity as a Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter board member is an extension of that work.

Continuing to be a public speaker has inspired me as I am able to incorporate the learnings from my own journey and the stories of other's journeys to provide inspiration to audiences.

I’ve had time to think of advice I’d give to others who are new to Parkinson’s, including:

• First, there is not one path in navigating this journey. Each of us must make decisions that are best for ourselves and those who are present to support us.

• Learn as much as possible about your symptoms and characteristics that have led to your diagnosis. Because PD manifests itself in unique paths to each person, gathering as much information and perspectives is key to making wise decisions on treatment.

• Find a care team that best aligns with your needs. Don't be scared to change that team as time evolves. Your disease will evolve, and sometimes that means changing the team members is needed.

• Turn to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The vast amount of information, data and research findings pushed out through emails, Parkinson.org and events has been significant in keeping me informed and hopeful.

My expertise in public speaking has been acquired through years of studying, asking questions of, presenting to and consulting with audiences and groups from Fortune 500 firms to leadership conferences. These principles and traits include hitting control+alt+delete to redefine societal defaults for success; establishing and measuring goals with specific strategies; finding wisdom to overcome adversity and inevitable change.

Now, especially after releasing my first book, Change Is Inevitable, Growth is Optional, I continue to be inspired by the tremendous stories of others who have faced adverse change and find a pathway to growth. This inspiration has led me to me to participate in such experiences as running in masters track meets, fundraising for worthy causes, and speaking before audiences to share my experiences.

Everything so far has led me to my newest way to advocate for people with Parkinson’s: becoming a Parkinson’s Champion and hosting my first fundraiser. On June 8, I will be competing as a Parkinson’s Champion in the 6 in 6 Challenge. I will compete in six track and field running events on the same day in approximately six hours.

I chose the number six because every six minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In the roughly six hours it takes me to complete the 6 in 6 Challenge, 60 people will learn of their new Parkinson's diagnosis.

Long before public speaking, running was always my passion. I have been active as a runner since my teenage years. I ran track, coached high school and middle school track, and ran a triathlon (which may be the next challenge.)

In my Parkinson’s experience, I challenge my body each day to get stronger and maintain strength so that I can delay the disease. But for many people with Parkinson's, simple physical activities are an extreme challenge. For those who can't challenge themselves to the level I still can, I am honored to take on a new physical challenge in their honor.

Support Troy’s Parkinson’s Champion event, 6 in 6 Challenge, or learn more about becoming a Parkinson’s Champion.

My Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis started one morning when my wife said to me that I should see a doctor about how I was walking.  She had noticed that my gait had changed, and had been searching online for reasons why. As soon as she mentioned it to me, I realized she was right, and I became very aware of how my movement had changed.

I started with my regular doctor who after watching me walk and noticing an occasional tremor in my hand told me that it was likely Parkinson’s. She told me everyone’s journey with Parkinson’s was different. She referred me to a neurologist who ordered a DAT scan that confirmed my results were consistent with Parkinson’s. 

The diagnosis was confirmed on January 5, 2023, about one week before we embarked on a 111-day world cruise. My neurologist encouraged me to take the cruise and just be careful on the cobble stone streets around the world. “Just don’t fall.” It was the trip of a lifetime, and I was able to do almost everything I wanted.

After returning from the cruise, I made an appointment with a neurologist who was a family friend, and he also confirmed the diagnosis. He was in Los Angeles and a five-hour drive from my home in Las Vegas.  It wasn’t practical in the long term, so he referred me to the Cleveland Clinic at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. 

Fortunately, my doctor at the Cleveland Clinic was also the Principal Investigator for a new Parkinson’s medication. I was accepted into the Phase three trial and didn’t think twice about participating, even though you don’t know if you’re in the placebo group or the drug group.

Participating in research led me to new opportunities, including being invited to speak about my drug trial experience at a Cleveland Clinic event. This event was also my introduction to the Parkinson’s Foundation. In just three months, I began exploring and utilizing Parkinson’s Foundation resources, which motivated me to apply to the People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council and to become a research advocate for the Foundation.

Throughout my research experience, I have learned that it’s challenging to enroll participants in drug trials for many reasons. I didn’t think twice about participating in the trial because it is an opportunity to not only help my own Parkinson’s symptoms, but to help other people who will be diagnosed with PD in the future. 

I found myself constantly checking for any change in my condition to see if I could tell which trial group I was assigned. After 27 weeks of phase three participation, I will move to the Phase four trial and receive the new drug for an entire year.

In the last two months I’ve joined a gym and started playing racquetball again. I’ve noticed my better days are the active ones. Staying active really makes a difference for me. I think of exercise as important as medication for my Parkinson’s journey.

I have started attending Parkinson’s events and grow my participation in the PD community here in Las Vegas. I find that events let me meet other people with PD, which is different than reading about someone’s journey online. I find it helpful to reading about PD news and studies to help me understand the state of the disease.

I would encourage everyone to see a neurologist as early as possible when you display early symptoms, such as the loss of sense of smell and active/restless sleep. I had these symptoms more than 10 years ago but never understood they would be the early steps towards Parkinson’s.

Find a PD-trained neurologist using our In Your Area search feature or by calling our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Cindy Finestone does it all. The on-the-go, soon-to-be first-time grandmother serves on community boards, enjoys the challenge of cooking a Sunday feast for her three adult children with minimal warning, goes to the gym six days a week and fundraises for causes she believes in. And she does it all fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD). 

Cindy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago. She’s heard enough misdiagnosis stories to know she is “one of the lucky ones.” After ruling out carpel tunnel, her neurologist told her to return if she noticed a tremor or funny feeling in her hand. “A lot of times people put things off and don’t address health problems right away, making it worse. A year after my initial visit, I began trembling in one hand. It happened twice in one day, so I got it checked out,” Cindy said.

Cindy thought it was unusual that her doctor was standing at the exam room door waiting for her. She later found out he was observing her gait and whether her arm was swinging. “He asked me questions like ‘Do you notice yourself drooling?’ and ‘How is your sense of smell?’ I left with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, an Azilect® prescription and a referral for a movement disorders specialist.”

Shortly following her diagnosis, Cindy began experiencing severe cervical dystonia (sustained and repetitive muscle spasms or cramps). The pain caused her to constantly look up and had an impact on her daily life. Her movement disorders specialist started Cindy on Botox injections, every three to five months, in her neck. “Parkinson’s caused the muscles in my neck to atrophy, so I started exercising like I never had before to strengthen my body,” Cindy said.

Fast forward to 10 years later, Cindy goes to the gym six days a week, sometimes seven. Once she found Rock Steady Boxing classes, her life changed for the better. “I don’t think she knows we have Parkinson’s,” a fellow boxing student once told her during a class. Cindy wouldn’t have it any other way. She now works with the Rock Steady Boxing instructor two times a week, in addition to her four weekly group boxing and core stretching classes.

“Exercise is not just about physical health, but mental health. I believe that the more you push yourself when exercising, the better your movements will be every day,” Cindy said. “I used to exercise before being diagnosed, but nothing like now. If I don’t go to the gym, I feel like something is not right.”

Between her treatments and her Rock Steady Boxing instructor focusing on strengthening her neck muscles (one of which was making her hold a tennis ball under her chin) Cindy’s dystonia dramatically improved. She was feeling better and ready to get involved in the PD community.

Community engagement is nothing new for Cindy. She grew up with parents who valued volunteering, she was a classroom mom, PTA leader and served on numerous local boards. She eventually found the Parkinson’s Foundation walk, Moving Day Rochester, NY. “I didn’t ask anyone to go with me. I didn’t feel comfortable asking people for money. I went by myself for years.”

One day her son’s teacher was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and he asked Cindy if she had heard of Moving Day. He could not believe his mom had been attending alone and insisted on not only going with her, but helping her team. Rock Steady Boxing Flower City was launched, and Cindy went into planning mode. She created jewelry and T-shirts to raise funds, along with her first Facebook account and page — and raised $5,000 in four weeks.   

Cindy eventually applied and was selected to serve on the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson's Advisory Council, a group of dedicated people in the PD community who advise and collaborate with the organization on a volunteer basis. She is also president elect and serves on the board of the Parkinson’s Foundation New York New Jersey Chapter.

“Being involved in the Parkinson’s Foundation makes me feel like I’m doing something that’s helping. Everything I do is somehow related to the Foundation. I attend a PD support group of 60 women, some of whom have become my closest friends—and I found this group through the Foundation. I call the Helpline for referrals. I go on Parkinson.org every time I feel a new symptom coming."

Cindy often gets asked about Parkinson’s because of the Parkinson’s Foundation lanyard she wears for her keys. She doesn’t shy away from hard topics and always advocates for finding your community, volunteering, and exercising. 

“Somedays Parkinson’s is more emotional than physical. You just don’t want to exercise; you want to get off the ‘train.’ But then I start thinking ‘What am I going to stay home for?’ You can modify everything you do based on how you feel,” Cindy said.

Cindy considers living with Parkinson’s to be a non-stop job. She even tailors her hobbies to find activities that can help with symptom management. While she notices that Parkinson’s has slowed her down, especially in the morning, she doesn’t let it stop her from living life. “I love being outside, golfing, and taking brisk walks. I play mahjong, do pottery and knitting classes — classes that can help in fine motor skills. I love cooking and spending time in my craft room, but volunteering is what keeps me busy, it keeps me aware.” 

This April, help the Parkinson’s Foundation advocate for Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Learn More.

I was 56 when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). Now, almost 10 years later, I look back on how the disease has affected my life but also how I continue to adapt. I never thought I’d be at the gym so much, or that I’d have to take early retirement, but I have learned that I am resilient and that even as the disease progresses, I can still have a great deal of joy in my life.

A few months before being diagnosed, I noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as a small tremor in my hand and a loss of smell. At the urging of my wife, I saw my primary care doctor, who suspected Parkinson’s. I then saw a general neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis.

I sought a second opinion at Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center because it is a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Northwestern Medicine Neurologist Danny Bega, MD, confirmed my diagnosis and created a personalized treatment plan addressing not only medications, but also lifestyle changes and exercise to manage symptoms and enhance my quality of life.

A central element of my life is attending Rock Steady Boxing classes specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s. I also attend Parkinson’s-specific ping pong, golf and Second City Improv classes. Who knew Parkinson’s could be so funny? Many of these initiatives have received Parkinson’s Foundation community grants.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has been a key resource for providing me and my family with ongoing education. I found the Hospital Safety Guide to be helpful when I was diagnosed and continue to use it as a resource. Each year, I attend the Parkinson’s Disease Patient and Caregiver Symposium, co-hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation and Northwestern Medicine, to stay updated on treatments and research. Through the Foundation’s events like Moving Day walks and Parkinson's Players activities, I have found support, camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

My journey with Parkinson’s disease has taught me many things. One is that Parkinson’s isn’t limited to older adults; it affects people of all ages and can happen to anyone.

I’ve also learned to celebrate milestones. I’ve been living with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, and every year that my symptoms are managed is a milestone. I appreciate that I have been able to live well enough to take several international trips with my wife and daughter since my diagnosis.

I am proud to have stuck with a vigorous exercise program over the years, and it’s paying off. I have definitely learned that exercise equals medicine, and the community of supportive coaches and friends is invaluable. I hope fellow people with PD will approach this disease with a positive attitude and a commitment to being active — and keep pushing to live the best life possible.

Learn more about the Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center. 

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our Fitness Friday videos. For in-person classes, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

In 2021, I received a weekly newsletter email from the local spin studio I’m a regular at in Sacramento, CA. The email was promoting the first Parkinson’s Revolution that would be held in just a few months. My grandfather (who we call “Papa”) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) about 10 years prior. I immediately clicked the link to sign up because I had to support this cause that I had a close connection with.

Once I signed up and learned that I could also fundraise for the event, I thought “hey, why not?!” and I started bugging family and friends to donate. Ride day arrived and I was eager to participate and maybe connect with other people who were indirectly affected by Parkinson’s in the way that I was. As I approached the check-in table, I was greeted with welcoming smiles from the lead volunteer and Parkinson’s Foundation staff who hyped me up for being the top fundraiser! I was so excited. Once the event was over, Foundation staff asked if I would be interested in volunteering and almost four years later… I’m still here!

My Papa is a retired fire captain, was an avid golfer, enjoyed running marathons and could build just about anything before his battle with PD. He is the strongest and most humble man I know. When he was diagnosed with PD, I didn’t understand what was ahead of us as a family. I never really knew what Parkinson’s was. Through his battle with the disease, we’ve watched him lose his ability to do the things he loves.

Volunteering for the Parkinson’s Foundation has not only been rewarding, but also humbling and cathartic for me. During my time as a volunteer, I have been so lucky to meet other amazing volunteers who do not let their diagnosis get in their way from achieving anything and everything they want. I’ve met other family members of people with Parkinson’s who understand the heartbreak of watching your loved ones lose the ability to do the things they love as they age in their battle.

The connections I have made through the Parkinson’s Foundation have taught me what perseverance, strength and support really mean. I am so grateful to my fellow committee members, event participants and Foundation staff for being the community I never knew I needed.

The resources the Parkinson’s Foundation provides are just as important to caregivers and family members as they are to those living with the disease. My Papa is a pillar in my support system and saved so many lives in his career, and so my volunteer work through the Foundation is the best way I can honor him.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has created a community that is unmatched, and I am so thankful to be a part of it and to keep fighting for those who can’t always fight for themselves.

Sign up for a Parkinson’s Revolution event near you and explore Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer opportunities.

When I was training for a professional dancing career, I never dreamed that the art form I was learning and loved with such passion would give me the skills to one day be of service to people with physical and cognitive limitations. But that is exactly what happened!

After performing, I had a long career teaching adult ballet technique in colleges and private studios. When I retired from my “day job” as human resources manager for San Francisco Ballet, I was asked to teach adult ballet at the San Francisco Ballet School. Shortly after joining the faculty, Patrick Armand,  then the director of the Ballet School, asked if I would be interested in teaching a dance class for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Adaptive dance for adults was a new offering and Patrick was an advocate of the program as his mother, a respected ballet teacher died with Parkinson’s.

I enthusiastically accepted the offer, and promptly made my way to receive training at the Mark Morris Dance Center where the Dance for PD program held teacher trainings. I immediately found teaching and choreographing for this population creative and rewarding. After teaching the class for a year, I met Gena Lennon, Director at the Parkinson’s Foundation who educated me about the Foundation and the many ways it supports the community (explore Parkinson’s Foundation resources and upcoming events).

With the support from a Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant, San Francisco Ballet School offers free weekly classes, social gatherings, tickets to ballet performances, dance education and more. Our classes are based in ballet — emphasizing joyful movement, artistry and fun. A ballet school pianist accompanies our class with beautiful music, while accessible choreography propels us forward in our love of the very thing that anyone with Parkinson’s must do — and that is to MOVE!

I have been motivated to learn more about how dance can improve the lives of older adults and recently attended Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training where I worked closely with the Sharing Dance Program Faculty which brings dance to adults with dementia at residential care facilities. 

We all learned through research and from clinicians that movement is medicine for people with Parkinson’s. San Francisco Ballet School invites all people affected by Parkinson’s, their family members and care partners to class in the studio or online.

Movement is a healthful and beautiful gift we can give ourselves.

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! To explore nearby in-person classes visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).