# Ep.6 Finding Connection in the Darkness: Tim Lockard’s Parkinson’s Journey

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134/ep-6-finding-connection-in-the-darkness-tim-lockard-s-parkinson-s-journey
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134/ep-6-finding-connection-in-the-darkness-tim-lockard-s-parkinson-s-journey.md
Podcast: [This is Parkinson's](https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134)
Published: 2026-04-15T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CTCPO7899245137.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CTCPO7899245137.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/this-is-parkinson-s-7724134/episodes/ep-6-finding-connection-in-the-darkness-tim-lockard-s-parkinson-s-journey
Duration seconds: 1947

## Resource

How do you go from a five-minute diagnosis that flips your world upside down to becoming a source of light for the global Parkinson’s community? In this episode of This Is Parkinson’s, host Lisa Volenec sits down with Tim Lockard (founder of My PD Party @mypdparty on instagram) for a heart-to-heart on the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) and critical decisions during difficult times. In this episode, we explore: The "Brochure" Diagnosis: Tim shares the jarring experience of being diagnosed in minutes and sent on his way with nothing but a pamphlet. Overcoming Depression: A raw look at the two-year dark period Tim faced and the exact moment in a Dunkin' Donuts parking lot that changed everything. The Environmental Link: A discussion on the potential connection between the automotive industry (degreasers/chemicals) and PD. Finding Your MVP: Tim’s incredible "full circle" story involving a personal photo with Muhammad Ali and meeting Lonnie Ali at the Michael J. Fox Foundation policy forum. Tim’s message is clear: Parkinson’s doesn’t define you; it’s just a part of the new, beautiful version of you. Follow Tim Lockard: @mypdparty ━━━━━━ ꕤ Support the mission of This is Parkinson’s Donate here: https://bit.ly/thisisparkinsonsdonate ━━━━━━ ꕤ Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisparkinsonsofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisisparkinsons ━━━━━━ ꕤ About This is Parkinson’s: This is Parkinson’s is a nonprofit storytelling platform dedicated to sharing honest conversations about life with Parkinson’s disease. Through interviews with patients, caregivers, advocates, and experts, TIP aims to educate, reduce stigma, and build a community around the realities of living with Parkinson’s. Learn more: https://www.thisisparkins…

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