Parkinson’s is often talked about in terms of what may be lost over time, but Tim’s story is also one of what can be regained.
His journey with Parkinson’s began with subtle changes. In 2017, he noticed an occasional slight tremor in his right hand, his right arm no longer swinging normally when he walked, and a slight body shake when yawning. At first, he attributed these changes to past injuries and general wear and tear from work. In 2019, he received his first Parkinson’s diagnosis, and in 2022 that diagnosis was confirmed at Struthers Parkinson’s Center, where he was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s.
Like many people living with Parkinson’s, Tim went through a season of shock, fear, frustration, and uncertainty. He had concerns about the future, the growing impact on his life and family, and the difficult process of coming to terms with the diagnosis. Faith, prayer, and support from family, friends, and church community all played an important role in helping him navigate that journey.
Before starting physical therapy and medication in 2025, Tim’s symptoms had become more limiting in daily life. Tremor and rigidity had begun in his right arm and hand and later affected his right leg. He was losing strength in his right arm and leg. His walking gait had changed, his right leg was dragging at times, and his feet would sometimes get “stuck.” Getting up after sitting had become challenging. Rolling over and moving in bed had become difficult. Dressing was harder too, including getting his leg through pants, putting on a jacket, buttoning a shirt, and tying shoes tightly. His wife, Lori, had started helping with some of these tasks. He also noticed reduced endurance on the bike, more difficulty getting on and off, balance issues, and posture changes.
What makes Tim’s story especially meaningful is that he was never someone who stopped trying. He had always been active - walking, biking, hiking, kayaking, playing racquetball and ping pong, and regularly going to the gym. Even so, despite increasing his activity and exercise on his own, his symptoms continued to worsen.
In early 2025, Tim met Nicole from Tandem Strength & Balance at a Michael J. Fox event. After that connection, he had an evaluation and started physical therapy in June 2025. Around that same time, he also started medication.
One of the most meaningful parts of Tim’s progress is that it unfolded steadily over time. He started noticing improvements at about six weeks into physical therapy. As time went on, those early changes built into bigger functional gains by around the three-month mark. By about six months, family members and others in his community were beginning to remark on the positive changes they were seeing in him.
Over the course of more than eight months, Tim made remarkable progress. His overall body strength improved, especially in his arms and legs. His flexibility improved throughout, especially in his hamstrings, hips, and right arm and shoulder. His balance improved. His feet were no longer getting stuck. He became able to get out of a chair without pushing off with his arms. He regained independence with dressing, including putting on a jacket by himself again. He could move a towel back and forth to dry his back after a shower. He could move around and turn over in bed without the same struggle as before.
Some of the changes showed up in especially meaningful ways. Because of renewed hip and leg flexibility, Tim was able to get on and off his bike again. He was also able to keep up with a group while biking instead of being the last one to arrive. His walking gait improved, his coordination improved, and with those physical gains came something just as important: a restoration of confidence and dignity in his own body.
While medication seemed to help control tremor and rigidity, the biggest benefits came through physical therapy and exercise. The combination of consistent work, time, and support helped Tim regain ground in ways that changed his everyday life. The days ahead looked brighter than they had a year earlier.
What stands out most in Tim’s story is not perfection or a quick fix. It is steady, meaningful progress. It is the kind of change that shows up in everyday life - standing up more easily, dressing independently, moving through bed with less struggle, biking with more freedom, and walking with greater ease.
Tim’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and real progress. And for the people who know and love him, it is a meaningful reminder that even with Parkinson’s, positive change is possible.