Welcome to This is Parkinson’s: A New Kind of Support. For Every Step of the Journey.
This is Parkinson’s was born from my personal journey when I was diagnosed in 2014. I realized there was a profound need for a space that truly resonates with those living with this illness—a space created by and for us. The first digital platform of its kind.
What You’ll Find Here
- Real Stories: This isn’t just a clinical resource or a list of symptoms. It’s a heartfelt collection of narratives from real people, shared through my lens as both a journalist and someone living with Parkinson’s.
- Connection and Comfort: Here, you will discover stories that touch our hearts—tales that teach, comfort, and remind us that we are never alone on this journey.
- Expert Insights: Alongside these personal stories, you will find valuable insights from experts and practical tools to help navigate daily life with Parkinson’s.
Our goal is to foster a compassionate and supportive community where we can walk alongside each other through the ups and downs of living with Parkinson’s—especially during those 360+ days we spend away from our doctors.
Because this is real. And we’re in it together.
LISA VOLENEC
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Our Mission
Our mission is to break stigma and build empathy through authentic storytelling that reveals the humanity of life with Parkinson’s. Founded and led by a journalist living with Parkinson’s themself, we bring real experiences to light to build connection, understanding, and a community of support.
What You’ll Discover Here
Inspiring Stories
Real, raw, and hopeful stories from people living with Parkinson’s—shared to connect, uplift, and inspire.
Share Your Story
This is your space to be heard—real stories, told your way, to comfort, strengthen, and give hope.
This is Parkinson’s Newsletter
We’d love to keep you informed and connect you with resources that may help.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or working on the frontlines of treatment and research—you belong here.
This is a space to feel seen, to learn from others walking a similar path, and even to share your own journey. Because your story matters—and it could be the lifeline someone else is searching for.
This is Parkinson’s. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And together, we’re stronger.
It Matters to Lisa…
Watch as Lisa shares her journey with Parkinson’s—from the moment of diagnosis to what daily life looks like now. Lisa opens up about the power of storytelling, the importance of connection, and her mission to create a stronger, more supportive Parkinson’s community through open communication and shared experience.
Our Founders
Lisa Volenec and Bob Sullivan bring over thirty years of collaboration in television news, specials and projects. Lisa worked as an on-air reporter and anchor and Bob as a senior news and station manager. Over the subsequent years, they have worked together in the same newsrooms and collaborated on numerous projects and initiatives.
Their focus on using their storytelling skills and experience has come together with the This is Parkinson’s initiative. Together they are committed to telling the stories of those with the disease, offering support by building patient communities and working with those equally committed to finding a cure.