Michael Sweet Sr.
Lakewood, California
I started showing symptoms in late 2008 and received a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2010. I felt really lonely in those early days until I became involved with various Parkinson’s communities online. I met many people who lifted me from the depression I was sliding into. Since then, I have held various advocacy and ambassador roles and founded three successful online support groups with the help of three incredible friends I met through a former Parkinson’s advocacy group.
Living well with Parkinson’s means eating right, exercising my body and mind every day, and being grateful for every day I wake up and see my friends and family.
I’m excited to be useful in my role as Ambassador and give back to a community that has given so much to me.
I love spending my time with my family. My wife and I have been married since 1988; we have three children and nine grandkids. They are why I fight daily to live well with Parkinson’s.