Hello,

Thank you for visiting my Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day page. I was diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) almost 12 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 12 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, but they’re a regular reminder of PD in my life.

I have been asked what it’s like to have Parkinson’s and it’s hard to answer because it’s all about how your body feels. If I haven’t taken medicine for a while I get stiff and my muscles get tight. If I take too much medicine then I sometimes get floppy (otherwise known as “the wiggles”). When I’m on with my medicine I feel pretty good, but even with the medicine there is usually the feeling of my muscles not being relaxed and comfortable. I don’t think that’s normal for most people, but considering I’ve had Parkinson’s for 30% of my life, I don’t really remember how I felt without it.

While Parkinson’s is ever-present I do my best to not let it control 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 (9), Annika (7), and Corrine (5). In the past year we have raised their awareness of Parkinson’s and the fact that I have it. They ask insightful questions and are understanding when I need to stretch or have to sit down because my toes curl. They don’t know any different.

The PF site has been a great resource throughout my 12-year journey with Parkinson’s. They have information for people that are newly-diagnosed, resources specific to YOPD and even how to discuss Parkinson’s with your kids. I strongly encourage you to make a donation to our Moving Day team to support the efforts of the Parkinson’s Foundation and the resources it has for my family and others battling Parkinson’s Disease.

With gratitude,
Todd