The Unshakable Optimist - a Column by Mollie Lombardi

I have Parkinson’s disease. I was just 36 when I was diagnosed. It was a devastating blow. While I’ll never think of it as a blessing, it has been an incredible teacher, and I’m thankful for so much despite my diagnosis. I think often about the brave clinical trial…

I’m often asked what it feels like to have Parkinson’s disease. My answer? Just plain weird. As frequently as I’ve tried to explain it, I just can’t do it justice. One of my early motor symptoms was gait freezing. I’d be walking along, and suddenly, it was…

Travel is a big part of the holidays for many families. Whether you’re driving down the street to attend a party for a few hours or flying halfway across the globe for weeks, these tips can make the journey easier when traveling with Parkinson’s disease. The most important is…

Parkinson’s disease has many facets, and research into its progression and treatment is constantly evolving. So is my health. Navigating all the changes takes a team, and over the past 11 years since my diagnosis, I think I’ve recruited a pretty good one. So who’s on my medical team?…

In the fall of 2012, I was moving fast. I had a big job and was becoming known in my industry. I traveled for work almost nonstop, working with clients and speaking at conferences. I was married to a great guy; we had the resources to enjoy beach vacations and…