In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, Larry Gifford talks with three friends with Parkinson’s who set out to test the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual limits of the human body after diagnosis. What they discovered was that challenges in life, no matter how extreme, are easier and more rewarding when you build a community of support around you and allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to ask for help.

For many people with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), the Parkinson’s journey can start as a lonely, aimless, hopeless, and dark ride. It takes time to begin to see the light.

A year after his diagnosis in 2011, Tim Hague, then 45, applied for the first season of Amazing Race Canada with his son and won. His life and advocacy since then is quite an unsolvable dichotomy for Tim,“Parkinson's has given me far more than it's taken,” Hague says. “I mean, Parkinson's gave me the Amazing Race, The Amazing Race gave us a huge financial payout in winning it, right? It was in winning the race that threw open the door to speaking and that threw open the door to writing a book. And I mean, Parkinson's has been a massive blessing in our life. And that's really difficult to wrap your head around because I hate Parkinson's. I hate it with a passion. There's not been a single day I've ever woke up and thought I was happy to have Parkinson's.” Tim is the founder of U-Turn Parkinson’s, a Canadian charity with a mission to empower people living with Parkinson’s in their pursuit of wellness.

Jimmy Choi was 27 when he was diagnosed. He spent eight years denying his Parkinson’s, before he began to take it seriously. He started with a walk around the block. That turned into a jog, a run and eventually he ran a 5K. In the 8 years that followed, he has competed in over 100 half-marathons, 15 marathons, an ultramarathon and raised over $250,000 for Parkinson’s research. His advocacy hit new heights when he appeared twice on the NBC TV show American Ninja Warrior. The further he gets along on his journey, the more realizes he is not alone, “I think for a person with Parkinson's, it all starts with being open, accepting, really comfortable telling their story and not afraid to ask for help. You know, don't be that stubborn person. Don't be Superman.”

Bret Parker, 54, is the Executive Director of the New York Bar Association. He’s also known as the guy with Parkinson’s who ran seven marathons on seven continents, in seven days. “You know, it really, really was tough. I mean, it was really tough at times.” Parker painfully remembers struggle to finish the races. However, he did have an epiphany through it all, “I also realized that there's a point when relying on people is okay. I'm a very independent person. All of these events that I've done have been a part of: individual races and individual activities. You know, I'm not much of a team sports player, but it's okay to have people supporting you and cheering you on and leaning on them.” Parker’s personal mantra is “Do epic shit!” And he does. Each year, he raises money for Parkinson’s research by competing in extreme physical activities from skydiving and triathons to 100 mile bike rides in severe conditions. He’s personally raised more than $500,000 for the Michael J Fox Foundation.

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Thank you to…

Tim Hague can be found at www.TimSr.ca and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, he is @timhaguesr. He is also the founder of U-Turn Parkinson’s charity based in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada.

Sheryl Hague, Tim’s amazing wife and partner in Parkinson’s.

Jimmy Choi is on The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Patient Council. Follow him on Twitter @JCThr33, check out his Facebook page or follow him in Instagram @JCFoxNinja.

Bret Parker is the Co-Chair of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Patient Council. He’s @bretparker on Twitter. ,

Rebecca Gifford, my amazing wife and partner in Parkinson’s.

Our presenting partner is Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/

The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000

Or follow them on Twitter @ParkinsonCanada

Thanks also to our content and promotional partners

Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation

Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices