Share Your Parkinson’s Story
When it comes to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the estimated 1 million people in the U.S. living with it, a story can make a world of difference. Your shared story helps raise awareness and can provide support to someone recently diagnosed who is perhaps unsure or afraid of what is to come. And it can provide hope and camaraderie to the care partner who is struggling to balance it all. One story can touch dozens, even hundreds of people.
You can make a difference
That’s why the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) has made it easier than ever for YOU to share your Parkinson’s story. Click here to view stories shared by others and use our new story-sharing tool to add yours. By adding your story of optimism, together, we can help people look closer at those affected by PD and see that there is so much more to a person than just their PD diagnosis.
Stories of hope
Here are just a few of the stories you’ll see in our Story Gallery.
Juanita, who praises the power of her support network, says, “Just knowing that my friends and family love and support me… every day… gives me a reason to fight every day.”
Kermit, says, “Rather than withdrawing and feeling depressed, I made it a goal to engage life more – living each day to the fullest, embracing and savoring every moment, and surrounding myself with people who nourish me.”
Allyssa, who started dancing at age 38, was inspired to get trained to teach classes for people with PD and states, “I have been so humbled at the drive and determination of my students.” She adds, “My students are truly the light of my life.”
Brian is an avid cyclist and swimmer despite living with PD the majority of his life. His optimism is inspiring. He states, “We can accomplish anything if we just try. Everybody’s journey with PD is individual. And what works today may not work tomorrow. We must keep looking for answers that work for us.”
People want to hear your story
Whether you’re living with PD or you’re a care partner, friend, family member, or even a medical partner, we hope you’ll let the world know what inspires your #PDOptimism.
Once your story is published, our new story-sharing tool makes it even easier for you to share your published story with your friends and community through Twitter and Facebook.
We hope you’ll join us in establishing a bold, optimistic, and authentic library of voices today. We know every story is powerful and we can’t wait to read yours.
Your shared story helps raise awareness and can provide support to someone recently diagnosed who is perhaps unsure or afraid of what is to come.