Keep doing what you love. Even if you have to do it differently.
Parkinson’s can take so much, but it can’t steal what you love.
Our public service announcement (PSA) campaign offers a real and honest look at life with Parkinson’s. Yes, there are tremors, balance issues, tough challenges – but there is also strength, adaptability, and the ability to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled. Through this campaign, we aim to educate those who may not fully understand Parkinson’s, challenge outdated stereotypes about who it affects and what it looks like, and provide encouragement and hope to those living with the disease.
And importantly, we want people to know they are not alone – APDA is here to support them every step of the way.
Para ver este video en español, haga clic aquí.
Meet the cast
Every person featured in our public service announcement is living with Parkinson’s disease. Despite the varying symptoms and challenges that Parkinson’s presents, they are all determined to live life to the fullest. For some, that means finding new ways of doing the things they’ve enjoyed for years. For others, it means exploring new activities that bring them joy. It is not easy and their challenges are real, but they don’t let that stop them – they pivot, adapt, and find ways to enjoy life. We are deeply inspired by their resilience, determination, and optimism – and grateful for their willingness to share their stories, which offer proof that a life with Parkinson’s doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love.
Carlos Velez
Age 49; Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2023
For Carlos, most days start the same way: with a cup of coffee and a walk to his backyard beehives. There, he feels a sense of peace. While many days with Parkinson’s are marked by fatigue, stiffness, and physical limits that he can’t ignore, he always feels better when he’s with his bees, often experiencing a remarkable fading of his symptoms in their presence. Even on days when he can’t do as much, or has to rely on others for help with his hives, he continues to show up.
A retired Navy veteran, proud Puerto Rican, and father of two adult children, Carlos lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, with his wife, who he calls his “rock and anchor.” When he’s not tending to his bees, he enjoys coaching middle school baseball, kayaking, and sharing humorous videos on social media about life with Parkinson’s to spread awareness and brighten the days of others with the disease.
I don’t think I could ever stop beekeeping. Parkinson’s slows you down, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
For me, it is important to keep doing what I’m passionate about. I feel like I’m a different person.
Elisa Mederos
Age 77; Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014
When Elisa’s doctor recommended staying mentally and physically active after her Parkinson’s diagnosis, she took it to heart. Once reserved, she joined a senior wellness center where she now fills her days with creative and social activities that bring her joy and purpose. As she puts it, “I’ve tried a little bit of everything.” Among her many new pursuits, painting and playing the piano have become especially meaningful. While painting serves as a creative outlet, the piano challenges her in new ways, and she practices regularly with determination.
Living with Parkinson’s comes with challenges, including muscle pain and persistent insomnia, but Elisa credits her active lifestyle with helping to keep her symptoms stable. She encourages others to believe in themselves and keep moving forward. A proud mother of two daughters, she is also surrounded by grandchildren and great-grandchildren and lives with her family in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Joan Furman
Age 78; Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022
For more than a decade, Joan has been dancing. Initially taking lessons for fun, she fell in love with the creative expression of ballroom dance, which she feels connects her to the deepest part of herself, where music and movement bring joy. Because of her Parkinson’s, Joan struggles with proprioception – the brain’s sense of where the body is in space – which presents significant balance and stability challenges when dancing. But she’s discovered that the problem is manageable as long as she maintains contact with her dance partner and, when combined with coordinated medication timing, she continues to move gracefully across the floor.
After retiring from a 54-year career in nursing and psychotherapy in 2022, Joan is dancing more than ever. Beyond the ballroom, she enjoys traveling, exercising, serving her community in Nashville, Tennessee, and spending time with her three adult children and one grandchild.
Dancing makes me feel alive. My body doesn’t always cooperate – but I keep dancing.
Parkinson’s takes so much, but there’s so much more it can’t take.
Joanne Murray
Age 67; Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019
Joanne plays Bid Whist – a card game she learned in high school – every week with a close group of friends. A lover of social and mental engagement, the strategic game provides cherished camaraderie while also countering some of her prominent Parkinson’s symptoms, including memory challenges, fatigue, and low moods. While tremors and slowed movement sometimes make the fast-paced game more difficult, she plays with friends who understand and support her.
A retired pharmaceutical sales professional and former clinical research associate, Joanne spent decades traveling across multiple states for work and still loves to travel – often to her timeshare in Punta Cana. She also enjoys reading books and attending her local Parkinson’s support group, where she has found community, guidance, and inspiration. Joanne lives in Covington, Georgia, with her beloved black cat, Ebony.
Joseph Ladnier
Age 68; Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1997
An avid fisherman, Joseph can often be found near the water. What began as a hobby when he retired in 2018 quickly became a passion, and he has honed his skills over time through experimentation and guidance from fellow anglers. Parkinson’s-related balance issues mean that Joseph now fishes from riverbanks rather than wading in the water, and when he ventures onto a lake in a boat, he brings a companion. But he continues to find joy in every cast and has no plans to set down his rod and reel.
Joseph dedicated his career to serving his community, having worked for 32 years as a Nashville police officer and four additional years as a civilian employee for the Domestic Violence Division. A lifelong Tennessee resident, Joseph now lives in Mount Juliet with his wife. When he’s not fishing, he enjoys spending time with his extended family, traveling, and connecting with nature.
I don’t want to stop fishing. Ever. It keeps me going. Maybe I’m not doing it the way I used to – so what?
Traveling is more challenging now than in the past, but I’m not going to stop just because I have Parkinson’s. At the end of the day, I’m going to continue to do it because it’s what I love.
Luis Torrez
Age 60; diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018
A lifelong traveler, Luis has visited more than 35 countries. His 33-year career in transportation logistics took him around the world, and he continues to travel regularly in retirement. While Parkinson’s presents new challenges that require careful planning, patience, and attention to his medication schedule, he remains determined to embrace every opportunity to explore new places and cultures.
Luis is also passionate about engaging with and advocating for the Parkinson’s community, with a particular interest in representing Latinos with Parkinson’s. He hosts a weekly virtual meeting for men with Parkinson’s, offering a space to share challenges and receive support, and is a member of the American Parkinson Disease Association’s (APDA) Voices of Parkinson’s Council, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of people with Parkinson’s play a role in APDA’s work. Luis lives in Fullerton, California. When he’s not traveling, he enjoys collecting sports cards, volunteering, and exercising.
Mireya Pintor
Age 55; Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018
Though she rarely cooked before her Parkinson’s diagnosis, Mireya now finds joy and purpose in the kitchen, pouring love and care into the meals she prepares for her family each day. Living with Parkinson’s hasn’t been easy – she faces both the physical and emotional ups and downs of the disease – but she refuses to let it define her. Determined to keep moving forward, she cherishes every day.
Mireya has two adult children and lives with her longtime partner and beloved dog in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Outside of the kitchen, she enjoys attending classes and support groups, helping her sister with her jewelry business, and listening to music. Likening it to her cooking, she says that music is food for the heart and soul: “Put on some music, and you’ll see your life change for the better.”
It’s not easy, but yes, you can move forward – yes, you can.
Sometimes I feel trapped in my own body. But when I run, I feel free. I accept that I have limitations – and I work around them.
Regiane Gomes Campos De Oliveira
Age 51; Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019
Prior to her Parkinson’s diagnosis, Regiane had never been a runner, but the sport became a lifeline when she needed it most. After struggling with uncertainty, overwhelm, and depression for a year following her diagnosis, she sought something that would help her feel like herself again. Running has since become a source of joy and empowerment. Despite stiffness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and other symptoms that make running difficult most days – and impossible on others – she perseveres, participating in races throughout the year and dreaming of completing the seven World Marathon Majors. Once focused on speed, Regiane now runs for the pure joy of the journey.
Originally from Brazil, Regiane lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and two teenage children. When she’s not running, she advocates for Parkinson’s awareness, particularly within the Brazilian community, and dedicates much of her time to a nonprofit that supports women who are navigating challenging times.
How APDA can help
Life will change with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Symptoms can get in the way and make things harder. But time and time again, we meet people with PD who find connection, community, and new passions through their PD journey. APDA offers people with PD many ways to continue doing what they love or can help you try and find new activities that help you thrive, connect, and stay engaged. From support groups and educational programs to exercise classes and creative programs – we are here to help and support, to create community, and to educate and empower people with PD and their loved ones.
- View the full PSA collection – Help us raise awareness of PD by sharing one of our PSAs on social media! Available in three different lengths in both English and Spanish. Help us help more people by spreading the word!
- Learn more about living well with PD
- Do you want to share your PD story? Use our Story Sharing tool to submit your own personal story of optimism. Is there an activity you love that you’re still doing despite your PD (even if you’ve had to modify how you do it)? We’d love to hear about it!
APDA is deeply appreciative of the exceptional support, creative vision, and strong partnership of Havas Lynx New York in bringing this beautiful PSA campaign to life.