I Lost 100+ Pounds. Then Parkinson’s Changed Everything.
Years ago, I weighed 284 pounds. I made the decision to change my life and eventually lost more than 100 pounds. I went from being overweight and unhealthy to running my first marathon at 56 and discovering what my body was capable of.
Then, on April 16, 2025, at 58 years old, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is progressive. There’s no sugarcoating it. It’s inside my body every day, and I know the road ahead won’t be easy.
But I also know how to fight.
I swim. I bike. I run. I train. I race triathlons and endurance events because they give me goals and a reason to keep pushing forward.
Every workout is an opportunity to push back. Every starting line gives me a goal. Every finish line reminds me that Parkinson’s doesn’t define me.
"I Don’t Know How Long I Can Keep Pushing With Parkinson's, But I Know I’m Not Stopping Today.”
Racing: One Reason To Keep Moving Forward
My next starting line is CLASH Daytona on December 5, 2026, where I’ll race a sprint triathlon at Daytona International Speedway. It’s the beginning of the next chapter and another opportunity to keep pushing forward.
From there, my focus turns to 2027. I’ll run the Tobacco Road Half Marathon in March and compete in several sprint triathlons throughout the spring and summer. Each race will have a purpose—building speed, improving my open-water swimming, sharpening transitions, and preparing for the biggest goal of the year.
IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina in October 2027.
After coming up short at IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta in 2026, I know exactly what I’m chasing. Everything along the way is part of getting stronger and better prepared for Wilmington.
Parkinson’s will be coming along for every swim, bike and run.
The goal is to keep moving forward—and cross that finish line.
Stronger Together Against Parkinson’s
I’m incredibly grateful for the support of RTP Photo and Video, Kymanox, and Sterling Ideas, who have stood behind me.
I’m equally thankful for every person who has donated to my Parkinson’s campaign. Every dollar helps support the fight against this disease, but your donations also send me a powerful message: you believe in what I’m doing.
It’s the comments, texts, emails, phone calls, conversations, encouragement at races, and people following my journey online. Some of you I’ve known for years. Others I’ve never met in person: IT ALL MATTERS!
There are going to be difficult days with Parkinson’s, but knowing so many people are in my corner means more than I can put into words.
Your support keeps me motivated, keeps me moving, and keeps me fighting.
To Donate: www.David2026.com (Parkinson's Foundation)
