When I first started this site, I didn’t imagine it would become such a central part of my life. Back then, Parkinson’s Disease was something I had only begun to understand. I knew it was going to change my life — but I didn’t yet know how deeply. If you’ve found your way here, there’s a good chance you or someone you love has heard the same words I did: “You have Parkinson’s.”
If that’s true for you, let me pause right here and say: you are not alone. I know that doesn’t take away the sting of a diagnosis. It doesn’t make the symptoms disappear. But it does change something. Walking through Parkinson’s alone can feel overwhelming. Walking through it together — with family, caregivers, and a community who truly understands — makes the burden lighter, the days less frightening, and the road ahead a little more hopeful.
That’s why I created Life With Parkinson’s.
This isn’t just another website with medical jargon or lists of symptoms you could find anywhere. This is a space where I share my own journey with Parkinson’s — the real ups and downs, the personal experiences, the hard lessons, and the small victories. My hope is that in telling my story, you’ll feel encouraged to face your own.
Why This Site Exists
When I was first diagnosed, I remember how much I wanted answers. Why was this happening? What would my future look like? How would it affect my family, my work, my ability to live a “normal” life? Doctors could explain the science, but what I really longed for was someone who understood. Someone who had walked this path before me and could say, “Here’s what it’s really like.”
That’s what this site aims to be.
I can’t give you a cure — none of us can. I can’t even give you a perfect plan that will erase all the difficulties. But I can share with you what has helped me:
- The treatments that eased my stiffness and tremors.
- The lifestyle changes that made symptoms more manageable.
- The emotional and spiritual tools that helped me handle the harder days.
- The encouragement that came from family, faith, and community.
If nothing else, I can remind you that your life is not defined only by Parkinson’s. There is still joy, laughter, and meaning to be found, even when the road feels rough.
What You’ll Find Here
On Life With Parkinson’s, you’ll see more than just one perspective. Over time, I’ve worked to include insights from caregivers, medical resources, and even products that have made day-to-day life easier. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Personal Stories: Honest accounts of my diagnosis, the symptoms I noticed, and the challenges I’ve faced along the way.
- Practical Resources: Research-backed information, plus tools and products that can ease daily life. While nothing here is a cure, even small helps can make a big difference.
- Caregiver Insights: Because Parkinson’s isn’t just hard on the person who has it — it touches the whole family. My wife’s perspective, and the experiences of other caregivers, are part of this story too.
- Encouragement & Hope: The most important part. If you only leave this site with one thing, I want it to be hope.
I also share updates on my own progress — what’s working, what’s not, and how I continue to adapt. Parkinson’s is unpredictable, but I’ve learned that with creativity and support, life can still be deeply meaningful.
A Journey, Not Just a Diagnosis
When you first hear the word Parkinson’s, it can feel like the end of something. That’s how it felt to me. But over time, I’ve come to realize that while Parkinson’s changes your story, it doesn’t erase it. My journey is still unfolding — yes, with challenges, but also with growth and unexpected blessings.
I’ve learned to value the simple things more: a walk outside, conversations with family, even the courage it takes to keep moving forward on hard days. That’s what this site is about — learning to live with Parkinson’s, not just under it.
To Those Newly Diagnosed
If you’re just starting out on this road, you may feel scared, confused, or even angry. That’s normal. I felt all of that too. But here’s something I wish someone had told me early on: give yourself grace. Your life isn’t over. Yes, it will look different, but there are still many chapters to be written.
Start by educating yourself — but don’t get lost in internet rabbit holes. Listen to your doctors, but also listen to your body. Connect with others who understand. Find a routine that supports your health, but also leaves room for joy.
And most importantly: don’t isolate. Parkinson’s can feel lonely, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
For Caregivers
If you’re here because someone you love has Parkinson’s, I want to speak directly to you: thank you. Being a caregiver is one of the hardest, most overlooked roles in this journey. You carry so much — worry, exhaustion, responsibility — and you often do it quietly.
This site is for you too. I’ll be sharing posts written with caregivers in mind: how to support your loved one without losing yourself, how to manage stress, and where to find encouragement. My wife has been my rock through this process, and I know firsthand how important that support is.
Caregivers, please hear this: you are not invisible. You matter. Your health matters. And you need just as much encouragement and care as the person you’re looking after.
Faith, Hope, and Community
One of the things that has carried me through is faith. I don’t push it on anyone, but for me, believing that there is purpose even in suffering has made all the difference. Alongside that, having a community — both in-person and online — has been life-saving.
I’ve met people from around the world through Facebook groups, support groups, and conversations sparked by this website. Each person’s story is different, but the thread of courage and resilience ties us all together. That’s what I hope Life With Parkinson’s becomes for you: not just a site you visit, but a community you belong to.
Support My Journey
Keeping this site going takes time, effort, and resources. If you’ve found value in what I share and would like to support my work, I’ve set up a Ko-fi page. Think of it as buying me a virtual cup of coffee — except that coffee helps me keep writing, researching, and creating resources for you.
Every little bit helps, and I’m truly grateful for those who stand with me in this journey.
A Note From Me
I don’t claim to have all the answers. I’m just one person living with Parkinson’s, doing my best to share what I’ve learned. If something here encourages you, I’m glad. If something doesn’t fit your journey, that’s okay too. Take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and know that whatever path you’re on, you don’t have to walk it alone.
Caregiver’s Corner
To the spouses, children, siblings, and friends who stand beside us: this site has space for you too. I’ll be sharing stories, resources, and words of encouragement designed with you in mind. Sometimes just knowing that someone else sees you and understands what you’re going through makes all the difference.
Disclaimer
I want to be clear: I’m not a doctor. Nothing on this site should replace medical advice from a qualified professional. Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and treatment decisions should always be made with your healthcare team. What I share here is my personal story, alongside resources and insights that have helped me. Use them as encouragement, not prescription.
Final Thoughts
So, welcome. Truly — welcome to Life With Parkinson’s. Whether you’re a person with Parkinson’s, a caregiver, or someone simply looking to learn, I’m glad you’re here.
This site is about honesty, encouragement, and hope. It’s about walking through Parkinson’s together — learning from each other, supporting each other, and reminding ourselves that even in the hardest moments, life is still worth living.
If you’d like, take some time to explore the site. Read the blogs, connect on social media, or reach out through the contact page. I’d love to hear from you.
We may not have chosen this road, but since we’re on it, let’s walk it together.
Thank you for being here. —David
