From Shock to Strength

Your Guide to Thriving with Parkinson’s

Diagnosed at 46, I’ve spent years discovering what actually works. Skip the trial and error—get the roadmap.

When Parkinson’s hit me in my mid-40s, I refused to accept a diminished life. Through research, experimentation, and connecting with others who were thriving, I developed the Four Pillars system that’s helping hundreds live exceptionally with PD.

“Your positivity podcast helped me get my 84-year-old mom out of a rut after her brain surgery. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Maryland Listener

I love this blog, Chris! You are such an inspirational person. Thank you for doing this blog. I look forward to sending it to my friends who have Parkinson’s.

Melissa G.

Live Parkinson’s Mission

“I help people with Parkinson’s and their families transform from feeling overwhelmed to living exceptionally—using proven strategies I’ve developed through my own 15-year journey with Parkinson’s.”

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My Journey with Parkinson’s Disease

The Day Everything Changed

At 46, the words “You have Parkinson’s Disease” hit like a lightning bolt. In that moment, I faced a choice that would define the rest of my life: surrender to fear, or fight back with everything I had.

I chose to fight.

The Turning Point

What transformed my shock into strength wasn’t denial or false optimism—it was witnessing something extraordinary. I met people with Parkinson’s who weren’t just surviving; they were thriving. Running marathons. Competing in athletics. Living with joy and purpose that put my pre-diagnosis life to shame.

These warriors showed me that Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be the beginning of your most exceptional chapter.

The Four Pillars That Changed Everything

Through years of research, trial and error, and connecting with others who refused to let PD define them, I discovered four non-negotiable pillars that separate those who merely cope from those who truly thrive:

🏃‍♂️ Exercise: Your Brain’s Best Medicine

Not just movement—strategic, targeted exercise that fights back against Parkinson’s at the cellular level. Essential for both physical strength and cognitive protection.

🥗 Nutrition: Fuel for the Fight

A balanced, intentional approach to eating that manages symptoms, boosts energy, and promotes overall well-being. Food as medicine, not just sustenance.

🧠 Attitude: The Ultimate Game-Changer

A positive, proactive mindset isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s your secret weapon. How you think about Parkinson’s determines how you live with it.

🤝 Community & Connection: You’re Not Alone

Finding your tribe of people who truly understand the journey. Support and shared wisdom that makes the impossible feel achievable.

My Mission: Your Shortcut to Thriving

This isn’t just another health website. It’s your roadmap from the person who’s walked this exact path—from the devastation of diagnosis to the discovery that life with Parkinson’s can be more purposeful, connected, and fulfilling than anything I experienced before.

I’ve spent over 15 years figuring out what works and what doesn’t, so you don’t have to.

Through my weekly podcast “Live Parkinson’s – Live an Exceptional Life,” my YouTube channel, comprehensive blog resources, and the supportive community we’ve built together, I’m here to help you skip the trial-and-error phase and jump straight to living exceptionally.

What You’ll Find Here

• Real-world strategies tested by someone living with PD daily
• Practical resources that go beyond medical jargon to actionable steps
• Inspiring success stories from our community of Parkinson’s warriors
• Free tools and guides to help you implement the Four Pillars immediately
• A supportive community where your struggles are understood and your victories celebrated

The Choice Is Yours

You stand at the same crossroads I faced at 46. You can let Parkinson’s write your story, or you can grab the pen and write your own exceptional life.

I’m here to show you how.

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FREE RESOURCES

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Feeling Unsteady? Balance Practice is Key!

Speaking from personal experience, I know having balance problems can really have a negative impact on your daily life. That’s why I spend 10 minutes every day practicing balance exercises. It has helped me improve my balance and maintain an active life.

I want the same for you, that’s why I developed the “9 Simple Exercises for Balance Guide“, using the same exercises I do every day to help me with my balance.

Discover practical solutions with my FREE downloadable guide: “9 Simple Exercises for Balance.”

This guide will help you:

• Enhance Stability: Learn effective exercises to minimize wobbling.
• Reduce Fall Risk: Take proactive steps to prevent accidents.
• Increase Confidence: Reclaim independence in your daily routines.
• Simple & Accessible: Easy-to-follow instructions, no special equipment required.
• Fits Your Schedule: Quick, manageable routines for busy lives.

Download your FREE guide and take the first step towards a more balanced and secure future!

Bonus: Share this valuable resource with family and friends who may also benefit from these helpful exercises.

*** Disclaimer: Always consult with your health care professional before starting any new exercise program to ensure it is appropriate for your personal needs and part of your treatment plan.***

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Empower Your Parkinson’s Management: Free Symptom & Medication Tracker

Tired of feeling overwhelmed by unpredictable Parkinson’s symptoms? Gain clarity and control with our free, easy-to-use tracker.

This tracker helps you:

• Pinpoint Symptom Patterns: Record the type, frequency, time of day, and severity of your tremors, stiffness, fatigue, and other symptoms to identify triggers and trends.
• Enhance Doctor Communication: Provide your healthcare team with precise, detailed symptom logs for more effective consultations and treatment adjustments.
• Refine Your Treatment Plan: Work with your doctor to optimize your medication and therapy based on your tracked experiences.
• Simplify Medication Management: Track your medications, dosages, and schedules to ensure adherence and identify potential interactions.
• Improve Daily Living: Make informed lifestyle adjustments and symptom management decisions based on your personal data.

Download Your Free Parkinson’s Tracker and Start Living with Greater Confidence.

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Simplify Your Parkinson’s Journey: Free Resource Guide

Is the overwhelming amount of Parkinson’s information making you feel lost?

We understand. That’s why we’ve compiled a FREE guide, connecting you with trusted resources and expert advice from leading national and regional Parkinson’s organizations.

This guide includes:

• Practical Exercise Plans: To improve balance, strength, and mobility.
• Nutrition Guidance: For fueling your body and supporting well-being.
• Effective Stress Management: Mindfulness techniques for finding peace.
• Supportive Community Connections: To share experiences and build networks.

Take control and begin thriving. Download your FREE guide now.

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Empowering Your Parkinson’s Journey: Support LiveParkinsons.com

Discover the tools and support you need to live a fulfilling life with Parkinson’s. LiveParkinsons.com offers a wealth of free resources designed to empower you:

• Stay informed: Access comprehensive articles on the latest research and management strategies.
• Find inspiration: Listen to weekly podcasts featuring expert interviews and personal stories.
• Move and motivate: Watch engaging YouTube videos with exercise routines and practical guidance.
• Manage effectively: Download helpful checklists, planners, and guides.

Your generous donation enables us to:

• Maintain and expand our website, ensuring vital information remains accessible.
• Enhance our podcast and video production with professional equipment.
• Continuously develop new content tailored to your evolving needs.

Together, we can build a strong community where Parkinson’s empowers, rather than defines.

Support LiveParkinsons.com today!

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Informational Resources

Live Parkinson’s Live and Exceptional Life Podcast

The Live Parkinson’s Live and Exceptional Life podcast is focused on helping people with Parkinson’s disease and their families live a great quality of life. It is also intended to build an active community of people who support each other by sharing success stories and getting help with issues and struggles they are having with Parkinson’s.

Podcast Listener Feedback

hi and merry Christmas to you and your wife. Your positivity podcast helped me get my 84 year old mom who just got through the brain surgery this past fall out of a rut. I was searching for Podcasts and Parkinson’s and came upon yours and was drawn to it by the loving picture you have and started to look through your episodes and found the one on being positive and having panic attacks.

I listened to it and knew my mom had to hear it. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting it. It’s been tough getting her out of the cloud she was in and get her moving again but with the right words it worked and she is now living her life. I will donate to your podcast but I can’t now. But look for something in the near future you totally helped my family.

MARYLAND

Podcast – Live Parkinson’s – Live an Exceptional Life – available on all the Podcast Directories

Apple Podcasts

Podbay

iHeart Radio

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Top Listened to Podcasts

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Blogs

Blog Articles are written based on extensive research and are meant to be informative and actionable to provide information you can use to live a great quality of life with Parkinson’s.

Top Read Articles

Parkinson’s and Balance Training – 10 Proven Exercises for Better Balance

Parkinson’s and Exercise – 7 Reliable Exercises for Awesome Results

6 Proven Benefits of Maintaining Social Interactions with Parkinson’s

Read my blogs on the Best Blogs By Category Page

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Parkinson’s Videos

These videos are intended to help provide guidance on exercise, optimism/positivity, social interaction, cognitive training and nutrition to help you live a great quality of life.

Please visit my YouTube channel – Live Parkinson’s Live and Exceptional Life Tremors to Triumph for additional videos on living with Parkinson’s.

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Living with Parkinson’s Disease Success Stories

These are personal success stories of friends with Parkinson’s who are living their best lives with Parkinson’s Disease. They stepped out of their comfort zone and took on new challenges, and are fulfilling their dreams.

Press on with Parkinson’s

I met Joan in the Momentum program for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurologic disorders. Momentum is a daily 1-hour program designed to focus on improving the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of class participants.

Initially, Joan was quiet, but focused on giving her best effort. She worked hard during class and wanted to improve her quality of life. After Joan read my book Spectacular Life, she approached me and said, “Your book inspired me to do one of things I’ve always wanted to do but was too afraid.” I said, “What have you always wanted to do?” and Joan replied, “I’ve always wanted to start a website to share my poetry and stories on living with Parkinson’s. Would you help me? I said, “Absolutely!”

Joan and I sat together and set up her website. Today, Joan writes and posts inspiring stories on her website: PressonwithParkinsons.com. I highly recommend her website to get her perspective on how someone who had a devastating diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease used that to live their best life.

Today, Joan is one of the leaders in the Momentum group and even leads a monthly social lunch get-together with anyone interested in participating. Joan has become a real inspiration for the class.

The Music Man

This is the story of my good friend Andy. Andy was an exceptional music teacher, loved by his students and the staff because of his positive, outgoing personality. I was fortunate to meet Andy in the Momentum program for Parkinson’s that had just launched.

I could tell right away that Andy and I would hit it off because our personalities were similar. We love to have a good time and make other people laugh. Andy and I quickly became friends and participated in partnered activities in the Momentum classes. Andy was viewed by the others in the class as one of the leaders because of the effort he put forth, the empathy he showed towards others, and his positive, accepting personality.

Andy has had his share of setbacks because of Parkinson’s, but he has let that deter him from continuing to be an example for others in the class. Andy started a monthly breakfast for the group to help build camaraderie with the group outside of class. He has led golf outings for the group and has recently begun to take up Boxing to help manage his Parkinson’s symptoms.

Andy was instrumental in sharing his expertise as members of the Momentum class went on tour to sing Christmas songs to one of the local Nursing homes. This brought smiles to the residents who otherwise might not have any visitors during the Christmas season. Andy is always willing to share his knowledge and love of music with the group, but more importantly, Andy is a friend, leader, and coach for the Momentum group.

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Parkinson’s Disease Organizations

I support, participate in research, and donate to the following Parkinson’s Disease Organizations

• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• Davis Phinney Foundation
• National Parkinson’s Foundation
• York, PA Jewish Community Center Momentum Program
• Brian Grant Foundation
• American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA)