Inspired to Endure: Why I’m Ready to Row
There’s an internal tug-of-war I often experience when it comes to talking about living with Parkinson’s disease.
On one hand, Parkinson’s is part of my daily life. It shapes how I move, how I feel, and how I navigate the world. On the other hand, I’ve sometimes hesitated to say it out loud—as if speaking the words might make the disease more real, or cause people to see me as someone with limitations instead of the strong person I know I am.
I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease in 2021, and it affects the left side of my body, including tremors in my left hand, cramping in my left foot, and sleeplessness. There’s no perfect way to navigate this, but for me, there’s power in sharing and letting people into this part of my life.
I am joining the fight against Parkinson’s—for myself, for others living with this disease today, and for the future—with hopes for slowing progression, finding a cure, and stopping Parkinson’s for good.
Joining the Second Wave
Many of us on the Second Wave team met through the Orlando Rowing Club, pulling together through sunrise and sweat, and we found meaningful connection on the water. A community of women who prioritized movement. And from that connection and community a wild idea was shared: what if we rowed the Great American Loop, a route of more than 5,000 miles, to raise awareness for Parkinson’s and funds for research?
When we had the opportunity to form the Human Powered Potential (HPP) Second Wave team, it was an irresistible “yes” for me. The introduction to Patrick Morrissey—the first person diagnosed with Parkinson’s to row the mid-Pacific—and the rest of the HPP team felt almost divinely inspired.
I truly believe this journey is meant for a greater purpose. We are dedicated to inspiring others to endure by continuing the legacy and impact of the HPP row across the Pacific. The $43 million that HPP raised was astonishing, but what’s most meaningful is the cause it’s going to—The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and its more than 25 years of research and advocacy aimed at ending Parkinson’s disease.
My Movement Is Medicine Story
One of the most powerful lessons Parkinson’s has taught me is that movement truly is medicine.
Because of Parkinson’s, I have prioritized exercise and strength training. Exercise boosts dopamine and helps slow progression, which makes staying active incredibly important. For me, rowing has become one of the ways I keep my body strong and my mind focused.
Rowing takes me back to my college days at Georgia Tech, where I first discovered the sport. I learned to row in my freshman year on the intramural team, and I still remember those early mornings—waking up before dawn, piling into a van at 4 a.m., and driving to the river north of the city. We were exhausted, but we showed up anyway. The sound of the oars in the water is unforgettable.
Over the years, I’ve pushed myself in ways that tested both my body and my mindset—from running the Chicago and Big Sur marathons, to hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park, and completing the Boulder Beast, a grueling 15-mile race through the mountains of Pennsylvania.
I also enjoy jogging and walking, especially with my son Wyatt. We’ve run several 5Ks together! I also mix up my workouts with weightlifting, yoga, and cycling on my Peloton.
Nutrition: My Secret Weapon
Movement is one piece of my strategy. Nutrition is another.
At some point, I started asking myself a question: What if I could reduce my Parkinson’s symptoms—tremor, balance issues, uneven gait, fatigue, and memory challenges—by cleaning up my diet? What if eating differently could slow the progression of my disease over time?
We live in a world filled with toxins, pesticides, chemicals, and plastics. It can feel overwhelming. But instead of trying to fix everything, I focus on what I can control—one step at a time.
For me, this means sourcing clean ingredients and cooking homemade meals that are high in fiber, with lots of diverse vegetables to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Because I wanted better bread for my family, I fell in love with sourdough and even started a small home bakery called Goose & Co Sourdough. Baking sourdough became a way to share something I believe in—simple, fermented foods that nourish the body and support gut health. I love sharing sourdough bread recipes and the joy of baking with others.
What Keeps Me Going
Life is still so full. And there is so much to be grateful for—especially my husband and three kids.
My daughter Lucy has been learning how to sew, Wyatt is active in theater, and Jett is crushing it at the skateboarding park. Our lives are full of laughter and some amusing mischief from two very well-loved kitty cats.
And surprisingly, I have moments of reflection when I’m even grateful for Parkinson’s—for the ways it’s stretching me and expanding my perspective.
Living with Parkinson’s has instilled in me the spirit of embracing life with urgency—a “YOLO” (you only live once) mindset—because life is short and nothing is guaranteed. And isn’t that true whether you have a progressive neurodegenerative disease or not?
That YOLO mindset is what motivated me to run after my kids at the playground when they ask me to play “monster” and chase them. It’s what inspired me to run a 5K race once a month during the year following my diagnosis.
Our family of five now says “yes” to the big vacation together. Especially if that vacation involves climbing, hiking, running, rowing, baking (always sourdough bread!), and exploring.
I’m loving urgently to embrace these precious moments, in the context of not knowing how my Parkinson’s might progress in the future. My focus is on the good.
As I think about what’s ahead, I’m hopeful that my story might inspire others. If I can help transform grief into hope for one person—even in a small way—then every oar stroke through the water will be worth it. I’m eager to thrive. Inspired to endure.
