I am honored to serve as a PMD Alliance ambassador, bringing a spirit of advocacy and connection to our community. Since my diagnosis with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) in 2018, I have remained dedicated to fostering support, sharing resources, and empowering others on their journey. My core philosophy is simple: You may be a person with Parkinson’s, but you’re so much more. I am passionate about creating spaces where we can learn, grow, and thrive together.

I’m an Integrative Health Coach, menopause specialist, and Parkinson’s advocate living in Washington State. After years of supporting my mother through her Parkinson’s journey, I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease myself in 2025. That experience gives me a unique perspective as both a former care partner and a person living with Parkinson’s.

Through my social media platforms, I share education, encouragement, and honest conversations about the realities of living with Parkinson’s. My passion is helping people with Parkinson’s and their care partners feel seen, informed, and less alone while raising awareness, supporting research, and reminding others that a diagnosis does not take away the possibility of living a meaningful and joy-filled life.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 54, Lauren was unsure of what her future would look like. Not knowing anyone else with Parkinson’s and having to navigate her new normal was overwhelming. After seeing many others go through the same experience, Lauren launched PDBuzz.com which was a hub for Parkinson’s resources in Orange County. A couple of years later, she received a Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant to help develop a program for those newly diagnosed called Jump Start. In 2023, as the work serving the local community grew, Lauren new it was time to take PD Buzz to the next level, an official 501c3. She co-founded Parkinson’s Orange County with Erin Angelo of Rx Ballroom Dance. Parkinson’s Orange County is now a thriving organization, whose mission is to help those affected by Parkinson’s to live well. Lauren serves as board president and continues to help develop programs for those with Parkinson’s in her area. She is also a support group leader and PMD Alliance ambassador.

Lauren holds a Bachelors degree in Communicative Disorders and in Psychology from R.I. College and a Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Audiology from California State University Long Beach. Lauren and her husband live in Mission Viejo, California.

I was diagnosed with EOPD on April 22, 2015 at the age of 44. I had DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery in March of 2019. Since my diagnosis I have been involved in Parkinsons Advocacy from leading a support group to serving as President on the board of Lone Star Parkinson’s Society. I have traveled and spoken at events for Abbott, my DBS manufacturer. I am now spending my free time advocating and educating people about Parkinson’s disease on social media. I utilize TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn under the name Punk Rock Parkinsons (on LinkedIn I can be found under my real name). I was fortunate enough to attend the PD Policy Forum this past year in Washington DC. An Amazing experience! Then a highlight of this year was attending the World Parkinsons Congress in Phoenix Arizona in May of 2026.

In some of my other free time I enjoy woodturning on my lathe and making pens and bowls and going to the beach. My passion is parkinson’s advocacy and I love being able to speak for those in our community that aren’t able to and fight for ALL of use. My motto that I live by is “Live your best life Now!”. Reach out to me if you need someone to talk to. I am here for the Parkinson’s community!

I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease in 2020 at the age of 40. I am a wife, mother of two, advocate, co-founder of YOPD Connection in Irvine, California, and a triple-negative breast cancer survivor.

Living with Parkinson’s and navigating cancer taught me the importance of community, connection, and finding people who truly understand the journey. Through advocacy, peer support, and my support group, I work to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and help others feel less alone.

My goal is to show that Parkinson’s can affect anyone, not just older adults, and to continue sharing my story in a way that brings hope, understanding, and connection to others facing life’s unexpected challenges. You can also find me on Instagram at @joanieanyway.