Hello,

Thank you for visiting my Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day page. This is the 10th year Todd’s Team will be participating in Moving Day. It is a great event, and for me personally, is a good marker of time, given it falls very close to when I was first diagnosed 11 years ago at the age of 31. YOPD is classified as anyone under the age of 50 with Parkinson’s Disease and represents just 4% of the one million people with Parkinson’s Disease in the US. Most individuals with YOPD have a family history of Parkinson’s (which I don’t have). In general, YOPD has a slower progression than for older patients and has a lower incidence of dementia. At the same time, YOPD presents a host of other issues, such as managing Parkinson’s while working and raising a family.

Personally, I have been fortunate that my Parkinson’s progression has been relatively slow. I’m 11 years into it without many noticeable symptoms or limitations. However, Parkinson’s is a constant part of my life. I take 20 doses of medicine a day, am usually only able to sleep 5 to 6 hours per night and have brief periods where my toes curl making it hard to walk. Compared with most other Parkinson’s patients, these issues are mild and haven’t negatively impacted my life. I was very lucky to meet my wife Lori Ann who is understanding and supportive of my challenges with YOPD. I am also able to actively participate in raising our 3 children: Griffin (8), Annika (6), and Corrine (4). They provide the motivation to do as much as I can to exercise, stretch, and hold back this disease as long as I can.

In the past year I have been fortunate to attend more activities with others that also have Parkinson’s Disease. I have been able to participate in a weekly golf/tennis workshop this summer as well as other social events throughout the year. While every patient has a unique and personal journey, it is valuable to support, and learn from, each other as we all battle the disease.

Todd’s Team has grown over the past 10 years, with many different people joining us to walk and provide financial support. Todd’s Team has consistently been a top fundraiser, having raised $150,000 over the past 10 years. The challenges of Parkinson’s Disease continue and so does the need for your support. The Parkinson’s Foundation provides a wide range of resources to those recently diagnosed, caregivers, patients with YOPD, and everyone else. They are also focused on research for new medications and one day finding a cure. Thank you for your support. It is inspiring and humbling.

With gratitude,
Todd