About Me
My Story
In 2008, I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) at the age of 44. Those of us who have been diagnosed at a young age have many years ahead living with this chronic, degenerative illness. I live an active lifestyle and strive to find meaning without letting Parkinson’s define me. I couldn’t do it without the support of my husband and two teenage daughters. Likewise, I have such gratitude for all the encouragement I have received from my friends and extended family.
On this blog, I will share my personal stories as I go through life with Parkinson’s in the hopes of inspiring others suffering from chronic illness and creating community and conversation. I am a Parkinson’s advocate and Ambassador for the 6th World Parkinson Congress (WPC) which will take place in Barcelona July 4-7 2023.
I have benefited from attending the WPC in Porltand, Oregon and Kyoto, Japan. This international forum is an amazing way to meet community and become a Parkinson’s advocate. As an advocate, I hope to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and fundraise to help speed research for a cure.
An international forum that brings together all those serving the Parkinson’s community including scientists, clinicians, nurses, and those living with Parkinson’s disease to learn about the latest scientific research and treatments to help speed a cure.
My Mission
My goal is to educate, inform and inspire those living with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers of people with Parkinson’s by sharing my day to day experiences of living with Parkinson’s disease. My stories offer a glimpse into what it’s like to live with a chronic illness, showing the challenges and small victories. I wish to raise awareness of the needs of the Parkinson’s community and help people with Parkinson’s to live their best quality of life, build community and become Parkinson’s advocates.