About three years ago, one of my favorite humans, my best friend, my chosen-family brother, Phil, was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at just 40 years old. At the time, I knew the basics…tremors, Michael J. Fox, and not much else. So, naturally, I did what any concerned friend would do: I fell into a research rabbit hole. A very educational, very humbling rabbit hole.
What I learned quickly is that Parkinson’s is so much more than tremors. It can affect sleep, anxiety, digestion, speech, movement, and a long list of other things most people never see. I also learned the saying, “If you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s,” because every person’s symptoms, progression, and treatment path can look different. Current medications help manage symptoms, but they don’t slow or stop the disease. Exercise is one of the only known ways to help slow progression.
Of all the new terms I’ve learned, “care partner” is the one that stuck with me most. A care partner isn’t just someone who helps, it’s someone who walks alongside a person with Parkinson’s in a collaborative, two-way relationship. And honestly, that part came easy. Phil has been a care partner for me through so many chapters of life, including standing beside me through some of my hardest moments, even digging through the remains of my burned-down home last year.
Phil has been showing up for me for nearly 30 years of friendship, so now it’s my turn to show up for him. Our team’s name is “Stelzer & Co.,” and I’m proud to be part of the “Co.” We’ll be walking this 5K in support of Phil, the Parkinson’s community, and the hope that continued research, awareness, and support can make a real difference.
Please consider supporting me this year with a gift to the 5KforJK. I’ll be matching donations up to $1,000 total. The 5KforJK is the signature fundraising event of Changing Parkinson's, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Parkinson's patients live their best lives — lessening the fear of the disease through education, exercise, and community.
Every dollar raised, every mile walked or run, moves us closer to a stronger, more hopeful future — for patients, caregivers, families, and communities touched by Parkinson's.
The IRS has classified 5KforJK (dba Changing Parkinson's) as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. TAX ID: 87-2286476
