Hello, my name is Rich and the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease first appeared for me around 2016 when friends and family noticed changes in my walk and at the same time, I had been struggling with muscle rigidity on my left side. Eventually, my Primary Care Physician referred me to a neurologist which led to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in January 2019.

In May of 2019, I was struggling with the physical demands of serving as a Reserve Marine so with 20 years of honorable service I decided to retire from the Marine Corps Reserve. Later on it was revealed that the onset of this disease was linked to my exposure to neurotoxins during my military service in Iraq.

The disease has caused me to have physical limitations, increased anxiety, apathy, and stress, while also suppressing my ability to enjoy relationships, leisure activities and career accomplishments. In 2024 I retired from the workforce completely due to this ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. The disease has profoundly affected my physical and mental well-being, impacting my daily life, social interactions, and my profession.

With medication I continue to function well in most respects but as the disease progresses and the medication becomes less effective, I am truly concerned about maintaining a good level of physical ability in retirement.

Being retired, I now have the time to do the things that are important to me and one of those things is to help other Veterans process their diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. I am however willing and able to mentor to anyone with the need. I look forward to helping others with this disease.

Contact Rich: