I was 43 years old when I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2007.
Like everyone living with Parkinson’s, I’ve lost things along the way. I’ve lost the ease of simple movements I once took for granted. I’ve watched symptoms slowly change the way I work, exercise, and go about everyday life. There have been difficult times when Parkinson’s seemed to take more than I thought I had left to give.
Over time, though, I realized Parkinson’s wasn’t just taking. It was giving me things I never expected.
It gave me a greater appreciation for the ordinary moments I used to overlook. It taught me not to take a good day for granted. It introduced me to friendships I never would have made otherwise and connected me with a community that truly understands what it’s like to live with this disease.
It also helped me rediscover a part of myself I’d set aside for years. I’ve always loved writing, and after my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I found my way back to it in a new way through songwriting. Creating again reminded me that Parkinson’s hadn’t taken away my ability to learn, grow, or express myself.
If I could erase Parkinson’s from my life and the world, I certainly would. But since I can’t, I’ve chosen to focus on what I still can do instead of what I’ve lost. That simple shift has made a big difference in how I live each day.
When I was first diagnosed, I felt like there were a lot of questions nobody could answer and not many people I could reach out to. Resources for young-onset Parkinson’s seemed very limited at the time.
More than anything, I wish I’d had the chance to learn from people who had already been living with it. That’s one of the main reasons I started sharing my own experiences. If something I’ve learned helps someone who’s newly diagnosed, then it’s 100% worth it. These days, I’m proud to see how much the Parkinson’s community has grown and how willing people are to support one another.
Parkinson’s has taken a lot from me. But it has also given me perspective, purpose, meaningful friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the life I still have.
That’s why I keep moving forward, one day at a time, patiently persistent.