Why I'm Sailing for Parkinson's...

Sailing has been a lifelong passion along with a multitude of other outdoor activities. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago, and I’ll be honest -- it was a shock. I’ve always been very active and self-reliant, so the idea of having a condition that could limit my mobility, or independence was difficult to accept. 

Getting involved with the Sailing4Parkinsons effort feels like the perfect blend of everything I love -- sailing, community, and a sense of hope. My first sail with members of this effort reminded me that Parkinson’s doesn’t have to mean sitting on the sidelines. Being out on the water again, surrounded by people who understand and are focused on something positive, was incredibly therapeutic. It’s not just the sailing itself -- it’s the laughter, the teamwork, and the shared sense of purpose.

Much of my Parkinson’s experience has been clinical and discouraging, but this was joyful and deeply human. It’s so important to have outlets within the Parkinson’s community that foster hope, positivity, connection, and a proactive approach to therapy. Plus, sailing engages the mind and body and provides a wonderful sense of calm and focus in a way that few other things do. Sailing4Parkinsons has given me something to look forward to, a community that makes me feel like myself again.