John Sullivan

Hull, Massachusetts

My diagnosis came as no shock in 2020, as I had been experiencing some minor symptoms for several years beforehand. While considerably shaken by the reality of a Parkinson’s diagnosis, I have tried to approach it with the same boldness and positive attitude that I brought to my Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis 10 years earlier. I was drawn to the Davis Phinney Foundation as a resource that is deep in educational content and community engagement opportunities. I believe there is an art and science to successfully dealing with and managing conditions of this magnitude. Thousands of others have figured out that balance of living well for themselves, and I don’t want to waste any time learning what is already known.

To me, living well with Parkinson’s means coming to peace with the diagnosis and the challenges that come with it. Beyond that, there is a great opportunity to share what I have and will continue to learn with others. If I can help someone else, even in a small way, I consider that living well with Parkinson’s.

At this stage of my life, I have the opportunity to give back in meaningful ways, whether it’s spending quality time with my wife and grandkids, exercising, or volunteering. There is so much to live for with Parkinson’s.

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