# Ep. 12 Choosing Joy Over Fear with Donna Parkhurst | This is Parkinson's Podcast

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134/ep-12-choosing-joy-over-fear-with-donna-parkhurst-this-is-parkinson-s-podcast
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134/ep-12-choosing-joy-over-fear-with-donna-parkhurst-this-is-parkinson-s-podcast.md
Podcast: [This is Parkinson's](https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134)
Published: 2026-06-17T14:06:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CTCPO1354687707.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CTCPO1354687707.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134/episodes/ep-12-choosing-joy-over-fear-with-donna-parkhurst-this-is-parkinson-s-podcast
Duration seconds: 2382

## Resource

A Parkinson's diagnosis can radically alter your world, but it doesn't mean you have to borrow trouble from tomorrow. In this episode of This is Parkinson’s, Lisa Volenec is joined by content creator Donna Parkhurst (@movedbyparkinsons on Instagram) to discuss her fast-growing advocacy journey, navigating early-onset idiopathic Parkinson's symptoms, and managing chronic anxiety. After watching her mother navigate an aggressive form of Parkinson's, Donna found herself facing the exact same symptoms years later, culminating in an official diagnosis in November 2025. Instead of keeping her diagnosis quiet, Donna allowed a "fire to be lit within her." She has since built a vibrant, fast-growing social media community where she shares her raw, unfiltered lived experience. In this episode, Donna shares the fierce words from her sister that kept her from rolling over, how she handles online trolls who claim she "doesn't look sick enough," and why validating the invisible symptoms of Parkinson's is essential for mental health. In this episode, we dive into: The emotional transition from Parkinson's care partner to a diagnosed patient. Overcoming the initial fear, denial, and anxiety of a neurological diagnosis. Dealing with social media critics and the toxic "you don't look sick enough" stigma. Understanding the invisible symptoms of Parkinson's (and why compliments can sometimes feel invalidating). Practical mindfulness tools for managing severe Parkinson's-related anxiety. Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an inspiring story! 👉 Don't forget to follow, rate, and share this episode to help amplify the stories that spark real change! Hit that Follow button to join our community. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or an advocate, we’re here to show you that you don’…

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## Transcript

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