When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in my 40s, that first year felt disorienting and uncertain. Two unexpected anchors helped me find my footing again: practicing gratitude and connecting with the Parkinson’s community.

The people I met — individuals living with Parkinson’s, care partners, clinicians, and advocates around the world — reshaped my outlook. Their honesty, humor, and willingness to lift one another up became a steady source of direction and hope.

What began as searching for answers grew into a commitment to share them. I found my way back to endurance sport, competing at the Ironman World Championship in Hawai‘i, the Boston Marathon, and Paralympic trials.

Today, I’m honored to be one of two people living with Parkinson’s selected to serve on an NIH advisory council helping guide the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Disease. I also advocate for veterans exposed to environmental toxins who struggle to access VA benefits, working with organizations like the American Parkinson Disease Association to improve awareness and policy.

Parkinson’s may change life — but none of us should have to navigate it alone. Hope grows stronger when we share it.

Read my ebook: Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s: A Rebel’s Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life. Currently available on Amazon and other ebook platforms – The print edition and audiobook versions will release in April. The audiobook contains the actual voices of more than a dozen members of the pd community from around the world. The print edition can be preordered at ohcrapmedia.com. This is how you can get a signed edition…