Being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) at 36 was life changing. At the time, I had a full plate: three young children (8, 6, and 2), a promising career, and a very active lifestyle. When I first noticed a tremor in my left hand, I tried to hide it. My family noticed, and eventually, clients did too.
Initially, doctors told me my symptoms weren’t “typical” for Parkinson’s, given my age and no family history. But after a year of evaluation, I received the diagnosis. My neurologists have admitted they’ve never diagnosed or worked with someone my age and gender. I felt like an outlier—scared, unsure of what the future held.
I was in shock, mourning the life I thought I had lost.
The first couple weeks post-diagnosis was rough. I immediately told my husband, parents and close friends and remained incredibly reserved about the stigma associated with “coming out of the Parkinson’s closet” to anyone else. I didn’t and still don’t want to feel or be treated any differently.
After that first month, things really started to change. I doubled down on yoga (a great dopamine booster) and focused on practicing gratitude.
Yes, my future is unknown and outside of my control but isn’t everyone’s?
Is it still a bit of challenge to balance the stigma of “being disabled”? Sure. I often feel like I have imposter syndrome either way. Do I think that will ever go away? Maybe. Maybe not. And I’m okay with that.
I’m grateful for the new opportunities Parkinson’s has brought, and thankful that Parkinson Association of Alberta is close by, if ever and whenever I may need additional supports, and I’m very proud to share my story.
