There are no rules when it comes to Parkinson’s disease
I’ve always been pretty organized and logical. I like knowing the rules and the “why” behind things. My brain looks for patterns I can rely on to predict or explain everything. Growing up in…
The Unshakable Optimist — Mollie Lombardi
In 2013, at the age of 36, Mollie Lombardi was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Six years later, she underwent brain surgery to implant a deep brain stimulation device that now helps manage her symptoms. She writes about the challenges of young-onset PD, including working full time, travel, and navigating the joys of being a wife, daughter, auntie, sister, and friend. Her column, “The Unshakable Optimist,” is about not letting the tremors of life get you down and the benefits of a positive attitude when battling a chronic illness every day.
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Pay attention to signs of Parkinson’s, but don’t catastrophize
It can be hard not to catastrophize everything that happens to you when you have an underlying chronic disease like Parkinson’s. Indeed, Parkinson’s can cause myriad symptoms. Stiffness and joint pain, gait…
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Choosing to be positive is better than getting stuck at the pity party
The name of my column is “The Unshakable Optimist,” so you might expect that I’m always happy. That idea would make most of my friends snort with laughter. I’m fun, but I can…
Learning how to ask for help has been key in my life with Parkinson’s
Before the pandemic, I traveled for work frequently — 40-plus weeks a year attending meetings and conferences for over a decade. I’d gotten used to life on the road, but early-onset Parkinson’s disease…
Finding the right support is crucial with early-onset Parkinson’s disease
Being told you have a chronic illness can make you feel different from the rest of the world. And when there’s something unique about that illness or diagnosis, it can make you feel even…
The day my husband was diagnosed with early-onset caregiving
It’s a big deal to be the girl who has Parkinson’s. It’s also a big deal to be the guy whose wife has Parkinson’s. Back in September 2013, I was diagnosed with…
Despite having early-onset Parkinson’s disease, I’m thankful
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…
Mind vs. brain: Gait freezing is a perplexing Parkinson’s symptom
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…
Traveling with Parkinson’s disease? These tips can help.
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…
Finding the right medical team to help me manage Parkinson’s
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…
Naming the monster: What my collection of symptoms really meant
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.
