I met my wife when we were both Disneyland employees and we have been married 50 years. I owned a running store for 5 years and then became a sales rep for ASICS Tiger for 12 years. I became the National Team Sales Manager, in charge of selling team shoes to schools and other entities. Retired on disability from Parkinson’s symptoms. Have undergone 6 major spine surgeries along with heart, brain, 2 shoulders and 1 knee surgery. I have a Deep Brain Stimulator. I’m the proud parent of 3 adult children. I’m on the Board of Directors of the Tremble Clefs, a singing based voice enhancer, and am a discussion group leader for the North County Parkinson’s Discussion Group. I teach a Bible study for people with Parkinson’s, called Movers and Shakers, and participate in 2 other weekly studies but I welcome interaction with people of any level of faith.

Contact Bill

Retired Marine Corps fighter pilot, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on my 48th birthday. As a Marine I had been accustomed to a high level of fitness and coordination. My duties included flying high performance jets aboard aircraft carriers, a four year tour as a Topgun instructor, and squadron commander. It was humbling to learn that I had PD. In the 21 years since, there have been many trials and challenges, but there have also been many blessings and great hope.

It is important to share some encouragement with others as they start their journeys.

Contact Bob:

The tremors started seemingly out of the blue, the diagnosis was made, but it wasn’t for another couple years that I realized life could go on with joy, purpose and meaning in spite of and because of PD. With the loving support of my husband, friends and members of the Parkinson’s support group we belong to, my world has expanded to include knowledge of the disease, treatment options, healthy lifestyle choices and hope for the future. Having just completed the DBS surgery and programing, I am looking forward to hours of increased on-time, fewer hours of dyskinesia and tremor and less medicine.

Retired elementary school teacher, wife of husband Aaron for 40 years, mother of three children in their 30s, and grandmother of four, I love to read, hang out with friends, putter around in my garden, travel, and play with the grandkids.

Contact Diane:

As a PWP I feel that I am in a unique position to be of help to those in the Parkinson’s community. I used to be a very physically active person, competitive figure skating, ultimately ending up coaching. I also marched in the high school and college bands. I worked continuously from age fifteen until age forty four when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. When I was diagnosed, I was eight years into my second career, having medically retired from the first. I have much to offer to my fellow PWP’s and am hoping that by sharing my story I can improve someone’s life and quell the fears that we face as we navigate our new normal.

Contact Kimberly

Marty was diagnosed with essential tremor in 2004 and with Parkinson’s in 2010. Marty says that she experienced symptoms of gait disturbance, dystonia, and REM sleep behavior disorder 10 years prior to her diagnosis. After her progression through the grieving process, Marty decided that her life would not be defined by her diagnosis. Marty felt called to help others who share this journey and quickly became involved with the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. Serving as board member of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego and as an ambassador to the Davis Phinney Foundation, she targeted her knowledge and passion towards educating others living with Parkinson’s, encouraging exercise and socialization and helping others to find their best life. Marty is most proud of her involvement in the development and implementation of an integrated, medically evidence based program for people with Parkinson’s at a local wellness center.

Marty is an avid traveler with her husband and their travel van, having covered 35 states and multiple national parks. Exercise, enjoying the ocean and beach, maintaining and cultivating new friendships, learning new things and sharing her positive outlook are all vital to her daily life.

Contact Marty

I have had Parkinson’s Disease for over eight years. I began showing non-motor and motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease when I was about 50 years old, but I was not diagnosed by a neurologist until I was 55 years old. At that time was still working as a senior level executive with the the largest construction material supplier in the US.

I am married with three daughters, the youngest is in her second year of college. I put a lot of value in leading a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods, exercising the mind and body, and remaining socially active in my local community. I was able to work until I was 61 years old and then I went on disability.

The wide range of experiences I’ve had since my diagnosis have really equipped me to be able to help people in a similar situation. What do I bring to the table personally? Dealing with a growing family was a challenge, my daughter was 12 years old when I was diagnosed. Negotiating through informing my employer about my diagnosis until leaving the company on my own terms 6 years later. Working a very high pressure and fast paced job while Parkinson’s began to affect my physical and emotional state. Obtaining SSA disability status and award. Staying informed about Parkinson’s disease through websites, podcasts, and my local support group. My personal experience with various therapists to stay ahead of disease symptoms and be as proactive as possible.

Probably the most important thing is I really believe in being the best person I can be in every situation. I believe the key to that is being a good listener – nothing is more important than that! And usually that’s what we all want, someone to listen to us and express some empathy. That’s what makes somebody a good mentor.

Contact Pat:

My father had Parkinson’s and was diagnosed at age 86 years young. I knew there was something wrong with myself but decided I would delay my diagnosis until my father passed. I was officially diagnosed with PD in 2009. I recently had DBS surgery which in my case benefited me greatly. I know first hand how PD affects one’s self, parents, spouses, children, friends, work as well as the financial burdens that arise.

My career involved extensive international travel running a large export business, global sourcing, marketing, distribution as well international marketing. During my 30 years of working with my organization I was also involved with paper machines, box plants, Kyoto protocol/climate change and ensuring compliance with the UN. Finally, I was part of the key management team involved financial resources, SPACS, and liquidating companies

I have been retired since I was 50 years old and find myself wanting to give more of myself to others as well as benefit from listening, sharing, and experiencing the joy that today and tomorrow holds for all of us.

Contact Paul:

Sandy is a lifelong learner who enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. She is the care partner for her husband who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006. As Parkinson’s symptoms increased, they began attending support groups and enjoyed meeting people who were facing some of the same challenges. The information they learned made the Parkinson’s journey easier.

For the last few years she has served as a facilitator for the Oceanside Support Group Care Partners. She likes to develop friendships so that other care partners don’t need to feel alone. Sandy is still learning. She watches informative Webinars on Parkinson’s and Care Giving. She has been part of the UCSD Care Partners Research Programs and has learned the importance of taking care of yourself and some special techniques.

Contact Sandy:

I have lived with Parkinson’s since my diagnosis in 2012 when I suffered a severe side effect from the anesthesia given in my back surgery. Typical of Parkinson’s, I suffered through 21 days before they figured out what was going on and brought a neurologist to make the proper diagnosis. It was a diagnosis of exclusion given when all else had been eliminated. Since then it has been the pink elephant in the room with regard to my condition and every decision that I make regarding where I live and whether I drive. I was able to medically control the Parkinson’s until recently when I underwent DBS surgery which was an adventure in itself.

If you’re feeling lost and overwhelmed then drop me a line to talk to some one who has been there, done that.
Stephen Lester

Contact Stephen:

I met my wife when we were both Disneyland employees and we have been married 50 years. I owned a running store for 5 years and then became a sales rep for ASICS Tiger for 12 years. I became the National Team Sales Manager, in charge of selling team shoes to schools and other entities. Retired on disability from Parkinson’s symptoms. Have undergone 6 major spine surgeries along with heart, brain, 2 shoulders and 1 knee surgery. I have a Deep Brain Stimulator. I’m the proud parent of 3 adult children. I’m on the Board of Directors of the Tremble Clefs, a singing based voice enhancer, and am a discussion group leader for the North County Parkinson’s Discussion Group. I teach a Bible study for people with Parkinson’s, called Movers and Shakers, and participate in 2 other weekly studies but I welcome interaction with people of any level of faith.

Contact Bill

Retired Marine Corps fighter pilot, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on my 48th birthday. As a Marine I had been accustomed to a high level of fitness and coordination. My duties included flying high performance jets aboard aircraft carriers, a four year tour as a Topgun instructor, and squadron commander. It was humbling to learn that I had PD. In the 21 years since, there have been many trials and challenges, but there have also been many blessings and great hope.

It is important to share some encouragement with others as they start their journeys.

Contact Bob:

The tremors started seemingly out of the blue, the diagnosis was made, but it wasn’t for another couple years that I realized life could go on with joy, purpose and meaning in spite of and because of PD. With the loving support of my husband, friends and members of the Parkinson’s support group we belong to, my world has expanded to include knowledge of the disease, treatment options, healthy lifestyle choices and hope for the future. Having just completed the DBS surgery and programing, I am looking forward to hours of increased on-time, fewer hours of dyskinesia and tremor and less medicine.

Retired elementary school teacher, wife of husband Aaron for 40 years, mother of three children in their 30s, and grandmother of four, I love to read, hang out with friends, putter around in my garden, travel, and play with the grandkids.

Contact Diane:

As a PWP I feel that I am in a unique position to be of help to those in the Parkinson’s community. I used to be a very physically active person, competitive figure skating, ultimately ending up coaching. I also marched in the high school and college bands. I worked continuously from age fifteen until age forty four when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. When I was diagnosed, I was eight years into my second career, having medically retired from the first. I have much to offer to my fellow PWP’s and am hoping that by sharing my story I can improve someone’s life and quell the fears that we face as we navigate our new normal.

Contact Kimberly

Marty was diagnosed with essential tremor in 2004 and with Parkinson’s in 2010. Marty says that she experienced symptoms of gait disturbance, dystonia, and REM sleep behavior disorder 10 years prior to her diagnosis. After her progression through the grieving process, Marty decided that her life would not be defined by her diagnosis. Marty felt called to help others who share this journey and quickly became involved with the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. Serving as board member of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego and as an ambassador to the Davis Phinney Foundation, she targeted her knowledge and passion towards educating others living with Parkinson’s, encouraging exercise and socialization and helping others to find their best life. Marty is most proud of her involvement in the development and implementation of an integrated, medically evidence based program for people with Parkinson’s at a local wellness center.

Marty is an avid traveler with her husband and their travel van, having covered 35 states and multiple national parks. Exercise, enjoying the ocean and beach, maintaining and cultivating new friendships, learning new things and sharing her positive outlook are all vital to her daily life.

Contact Marty

I have had Parkinson’s Disease for over eight years. I began showing non-motor and motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease when I was about 50 years old, but I was not diagnosed by a neurologist until I was 55 years old. At that time was still working as a senior level executive with the the largest construction material supplier in the US.

I am married with three daughters, the youngest is in her second year of college. I put a lot of value in leading a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods, exercising the mind and body, and remaining socially active in my local community. I was able to work until I was 61 years old and then I went on disability.

The wide range of experiences I’ve had since my diagnosis have really equipped me to be able to help people in a similar situation. What do I bring to the table personally? Dealing with a growing family was a challenge, my daughter was 12 years old when I was diagnosed. Negotiating through informing my employer about my diagnosis until leaving the company on my own terms 6 years later. Working a very high pressure and fast paced job while Parkinson’s began to affect my physical and emotional state. Obtaining SSA disability status and award. Staying informed about Parkinson’s disease through websites, podcasts, and my local support group. My personal experience with various therapists to stay ahead of disease symptoms and be as proactive as possible.

Probably the most important thing is I really believe in being the best person I can be in every situation. I believe the key to that is being a good listener – nothing is more important than that! And usually that’s what we all want, someone to listen to us and express some empathy. That’s what makes somebody a good mentor.

Contact Pat:

My father had Parkinson’s and was diagnosed at age 86 years young. I knew there was something wrong with myself but decided I would delay my diagnosis until my father passed. I was officially diagnosed with PD in 2009. I recently had DBS surgery which in my case benefited me greatly. I know first hand how PD affects one’s self, parents, spouses, children, friends, work as well as the financial burdens that arise.

My career involved extensive international travel running a large export business, global sourcing, marketing, distribution as well international marketing. During my 30 years of working with my organization I was also involved with paper machines, box plants, Kyoto protocol/climate change and ensuring compliance with the UN. Finally, I was part of the key management team involved financial resources, SPACS, and liquidating companies

I have been retired since I was 50 years old and find myself wanting to give more of myself to others as well as benefit from listening, sharing, and experiencing the joy that today and tomorrow holds for all of us.

Contact Paul:

Sandy is a lifelong learner who enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. She is the care partner for her husband who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006. As Parkinson’s symptoms increased, they began attending support groups and enjoyed meeting people who were facing some of the same challenges. The information they learned made the Parkinson’s journey easier.

For the last few years she has served as a facilitator for the Oceanside Support Group Care Partners. She likes to develop friendships so that other care partners don’t need to feel alone. Sandy is still learning. She watches informative Webinars on Parkinson’s and Care Giving. She has been part of the UCSD Care Partners Research Programs and has learned the importance of taking care of yourself and some special techniques.

Contact Sandy:

I have lived with Parkinson’s since my diagnosis in 2012 when I suffered a severe side effect from the anesthesia given in my back surgery. Typical of Parkinson’s, I suffered through 21 days before they figured out what was going on and brought a neurologist to make the proper diagnosis. It was a diagnosis of exclusion given when all else had been eliminated. Since then it has been the pink elephant in the room with regard to my condition and every decision that I make regarding where I live and whether I drive. I was able to medically control the Parkinson’s until recently when I underwent DBS surgery which was an adventure in itself.

If you’re feeling lost and overwhelmed then drop me a line to talk to some one who has been there, done that.
Stephen Lester

Contact Stephen: