Twenty years ago, Tom received a diagnosis that changed his life: You have Parkinson’s disease. At just 45 years old, he never expected to hear those words.
His symptoms began subtly – stiff joints and a noticeable slowness in movement. “When I washed my hair,” Tom recalls, “one hand moved fast, and the other was much slower.” Because of his age, Parkinson’s wasn’t initially considered. Doctors first suspected depression and prescribed a series of antidepressants, none of which relieved his symptoms.
But Tom was determined to get answers.
In 2005, he and his father went to the Cleveland Clinic, where both were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on the same day, a moment that would reshape their lives.
Since then, Tom and his wife Stacey have faced the disease together. They often say, “We have Parkinson’s,” because they navigate every step side by side.
The Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio has been a vital part of their journey. It became a trusted source of education, support, and community. Tom served as President of the Board, and Stacey currently serves as Treasurer. Their commitment to the Foundation has fueled countless fundraisers and outreach efforts to support and uplift others living with the illness.
“Volunteering with the Foundation is our way of giving back,” says Stacey. “We want others to know they’re not alone and that life can still be full.”
Tom is also an active participant in clinical trials, driven by the hope of advancing treatment and one day discovering a cure. Together, he and Stacey continue to advocate passionately for Parkinson’s awareness, education, and research.
Their message is one of resilience and hope:
“Parkinson’s is not a death sentence. Treatments have come a long way. Life goes on and you can live it fully.”
In Tom’s words:
“I have Parkinson’s—Parkinson’s does not have me.”
Though the road hasn’t always been easy, Tom and Stacey continue to walk it with purpose, positivity, and a deep sense of gratitude.
“Our journey has had its ups and downs,” they say, “but we always remind ourselves that Parkinson’s has introduced us to some of the best people we now call friends.”