I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) in 2018 at the age of 48 after dealing with symptoms for approximately 10 years. I retired from a career in Higher Education in 2021and made learning all I could about this condition and living well with it my full time job. In 2022 I underwent DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery.

Living well with Parkinson’s means that I continue to lead an active life and contribute positively to my community. I do everything I can to participate in the activities I love, which include tennis, pickleball, hiking, and kayaking. I have also learned to embrace new interests like quilting and painting, while prioritizing the maintenance of my social connections.

When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I searched for positive examples of people living well with the condition. Initially, I encountered a lot of negativity and despair. It took me some time to discover that many individuals with Parkinson’s Disease are living positive, active, and meaningful lives. I want to help others find this out more quickly than I did and serve as an example of what is possible.

I am particularly excited about reaching and connecting with people who lead active lifestyles and are figuring out how to manage their Parkinson’s diagnosis. I welcome opportunities to share experiences, ideas, struggles, and successes as we all work towards creating positive and meaningful lives.