PARKINSONZ ACEs
Adapt, Conquer, Empower Others

Meet Danylle
Danylle, a veterinary anesthesia nurse from New Hampshire, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2023 at 43. Being a young woman with a condition often associated with older men has come with its challenges. “People always ask, ‘Are you sure?’” she shares. But for Danylle, her story isn’t about what she’s lost—it’s about how she chooses to keep going, no matter what life throws her way.
Her path to diagnosis was long and frustrating. While getting answers brought some relief, it also came with heavy emotions. “At first, it hit me hard—‘This is my life now. I can’t fix this,’” she recalls. But instead of letting Parkinson’s define her, Danylle made a choice: she couldn’t change her diagnosis, but she could change how she faced it. With that mindset, she turned to movement, determination, and self-compassion to navigate her new reality.

Rediscovering Power Through Movement
For Danylle, staying active isn’t just about exercise—it’s about reclaiming control. Whether she’s riding her bike thousands of miles, tackling Pilates sessions, or setting bold goals like holding a 10-minute plank, movement reminds her that she’s still in charge of her life. “Exercise connects me to who I am,” she says. “It’s proof that I’m still capable of so much.”
Last year, she set out to ride 7,000 miles on her bike and crushed that goal, pedaling over 8,100 miles. This year, she’s upped the ante: 8,000 miles, 350,000 feet of elevation gain, and three big bike trips. She’s already planning a ride across Florida, a cycling adventure in Portugal, and a special trip closer to home for her birthday. “Parkinson’s makes me want to push harder,” she says. But her dedication isn’t just physical. “Some days are tough,” Danylle admits.
“But Parkinson’s doesn’t own me. I’m still working, I’m still moving, and I’m still finding joy.”


Living in the Moment
Parkinson’s has taught Danylle a lesson many of us overlook: don’t put life on hold. “I’ve realized my future might not look like I thought, but that’s okay. It’s taught me to live in the moment,” she says. “If there’s something you want to do, don’t wait—you might not get another chance.”
Danylle’s strength has been tested in ways most people can’t imagine. Within a year, she survived three life-saving surgeries for rare conditions, including one that left her weighing just 70 pounds and fighting for her life.
With grit and determination, she made it through and came out even stronger. Those experiences, combined with her Parkinson’s diagnosis, have only deepened her resolve to embrace every day.
When she’s not on her bike, Danylle finds joy in baking. For her, it’s more than just a creative outlet. “It helps me with hand strength and focus,” she explains. “Plus, it feels good to create something and share it with others.”



Choosing Resilience
Danylle’s message for others is simple but powerful: “It’s okay to feel scared or frustrated—just don’t let those feelings take over. This is your life. Parkinson’s doesn’t have to control it.”
Her story is a testament to resilience. Despite facing obstacles that could have stopped her, Danylle keeps moving forward—setting goals, taking on challenges, and living fully. “Bottom line,” she says, “I’m just out here living my best life, not letting anything hold me back.”
Danylle inspires all of us to get moving, whether it’s trying something new, setting a big goal, or just taking that first step. Because when you choose to focus on what you can do, instead of what you can’t, life opens up in incredible ways.
The Questions
What was your initial reaction to your diagnosis?
It was a long road to get to a diagnosis, so it was somewhat of a relief to finally have answers, but then turned to “Wow, this is my life now. This is never going to get better. I can’t fix this.”
What helped set you on a positive trajectory?
Realizing that I can’t change what is happening, but I can change what I do about it and how I deal with it. I was already very active and just wanted that to continue.
How has your diagnosis changed how you perceive your future?
I’ve realized that my future looks different than I envisioned. It has taught me to live in the moment. Don’t wait to do the things you want to do because you may not get the chance. I am more kind to myself.
What advice would you give someone new to PD?
I would say it’s OK to be angry, upset, and uncertain. Just don’t pitch up and live there. This is your life, and you need to live it. You may have PD, and some days will be hard, but PD doesn’t have to define you.
What are you most grateful for with respect to your Parkinson's diagnosis?
It has taught me to be patient with myself. To be more present. To take each day as it comes.
What are some goals you have set and which have you accomplished?
I constantly set goals to keep myself motivated and accountable before and after my PD dx. Last year, I set a goal of riding my bike 7,000 miles. I did over 8,100. This year, I want to do 8,000 miles with 350,000 ft of elevation. I want to do 3 bike trips (the first is next month FL – Tampa to Orlando 250 miles in 5 days, the next is the Portugal EWAP tour in June, and I want to do something more local for my birthday in Oct). I also want to do a 10-min plank and do Pilates 3x per week. I find having PD makes me want to push myself more.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
I am proud that I haven’t given up. I am mentally stronger. I am still working.
