Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN, yopnetwork)

"My kids were 7 and 12 when I was diagnosed. If there was one thing I could change about being stuck with this disease, it's the effects on my kids." —mom with YOPD How has Parkinson's affected your kids (we want to know the good, bad, and everything in between)? #yopd #parkinsons

"In my high school days, I worked in a PCB fabrication shop. I opened 50-gallon drums containing heated trichloroethylene (TCE). We didn't have any hazmat gear. I remember the TCE fog taking the skin off my hands. 1983, age 25, diagnosed with Parkinson's, but told I was too young to have that." —Todd #yopd #earlyonsetparkinsons #parkinsons

"I have young onset Parkinson's. I was 48 when my physical symptoms started. This disease leaves us in limbo; it does not care that we have responsibilities. It hits us when it wants. My symptoms progressed so quickly that I had to file for disability even before my diagnosis. It took almost a year and a half to get a diagnosis. (I was told it was essential tremors by several neurologists.) I saw 8 neurologists before getting the correct diagnosis. During that time, I was in a walker and was basically bedridden. Disability was denied 2 times but, finally, after the correct diagnosis, it was approved. "After my diagnosis, I changed everything: what I ate, physical and occupational therapy, and exercise. I was also treated for my excruciating back pain, which exacerbated my symptoms. My physical symptoms are now well controlled with medication, diet, and exercise, but I struggle with depression, anxiety, cognitive issues, sleep issues, and digestive issues. "I guess I was lucky that my symptoms were so severe in the beginning so that disability could be approved, but it is not near close enough to survive for one person, let alone a person with children. It is such a shame that we are left with limited options." —Kim #parkinsonslookslikeme #parkinsons #yopd

There's nothing like being with people who get it. In this special mini episode of the YOPN podcast, Mel and Chris talk Parkinson's travel and the importance of gathering with community members in anticipation of the upcoming World Parkinson's Congress in Phoenix, AZ. Listen now: https://yopn.podbean.com #parkinsons #yopd #earlyonsetparkinsons #wpc2026

"When I told my dad I had Parkinson’s, he looked at me and said, 'So, you’ll shake a little, we’ll still love you.' And he did. That may sound simple, but the answer doesn’t always have to be complicated. Love yourself and those around you for who they are now – in this very moment." —Lori #yopd #parkinsonslookslikeme #parkinsons

Living with YOPD often means balancing a career, relationships, parenthood, and more. This can be an exhausting task, so Caitlin counts her wins. She shared, "Big win today! I had enough energy, cognition, and motivation to be able to walk to pick up my daughter from school and make dinner for my family!" "It's only a 1 km walk," she said, "and it was a meal kit dinner. But usually by 5pm I am exhausted, meds are not working, and I am in full body pain. So today is a win for me." Tell us in the comments: What's your win? #yopd #parkinsons #parkinsonslookslikeme

Connect with others who get it. Register now: https://loom.ly/noyfOJg 📢 YOPD Care Partner Breakout Room will now be a standing space at this meeting! #parkinsons #yopd #earlyonsetparkinsons

"My son-in-law has been diagnosed with YOPD. He is only 40 years old with two teenage boys. He works so hard for his family and to pay a mortgage. We hope one day a cure can be found. But in the meantime, he's going to the gym and looking after himself with the support of his strong wife and family. He won't give in to this." —David #yopd #parkinsons

Advocates, keep showing up in your authenticity! You matter. #yopd #Parkinsons

Cannabis dosing and administration vary, which makes it hard to know how best to access and evaluate it for use in your at-home care. Join us to learn about the history, pharmacology, and research behind medical cannabis. Sit down with expert integrative medicine specialist, Michelle Sexton, ND, to learn everything you need to know to make informed decisions about incorporating cannabis, including side effects, medication interactions, long-term effectiveness, how best to consume, and more! Register now on the YOPN portal: https://lnkd.in/eJAP53wp