Follow my journey
Meet Donna Parkhurst
I’m Donna Parkhurst – an integrative wellness coach, Parkinson’s advocate, clean living educator, and founder of Moved by Parkinson’s.
In November 2025, at age 51, I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Like many people who receive a life-changing diagnosis, I found myself navigating a flood of questions, emotions, and uncertainty about what the future might hold, and feeling very alone in it.
Parkinson’s was not entirely new to me when I received my diagnosis. Years earlier, I walked alongside my mother through her own Parkinson’s journey. Experiencing the disease first as a care partner and later as a person living with Parkinson’s has given me a unique perspective on the challenges, fears, and resilience that shape this community.
What I discovered quickly was that so many people living with Parkinson’s feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn for practical guidance and real encouragement. That realization is what led me to begin sharing my journey publicly, and this community was born.
My Mission
Through education, advocacy, and community, my mission is simple:
To help people navigate Parkinson’s without losing themselves.
Whether you are living with Parkinson’s, supporting someone who is, navigating midlife health challenges, or simply searching for encouragement and trustworthy information – you are welcome here.
My Approach
My work blends lived experience with evidence-informed wellness practices that support brain health, nervous system regulation, and overall resilience. My goal is not to offer quick fixes or unrealistic promises, it’s to provide grounded support, honest conversation, and practical tools that help people continue living meaningful, vibrant lives.
Advocacy in Action
Advocacy isn’t just something I talk about — it’s something I actively show up for. I currently serve as:
- Ambassador, Parkinson’s Foundation — hand-selected to attend their Volunteer Leadership Summit this fall
- Ambassador, PMD Alliance
- Advisor Council Member, Young Onset Parkinson’s Network — selected to help guide support and programming for people living with early-onset Parkinson’s
- Social Media Influencer, Michael J. Fox Foundation — one of 20 people invited nationwide to their first-ever Social Media Influencer Summit in April
These roles let me carry this community’s voice into rooms where research priorities, programming, and support systems are actually being shaped — not just to raise awareness, but to help direct where the resources and attention go.
A Personal Note
Before my diagnosis, I spent many years advocating for healthier living through clean beauty and wellness education. My passion for living well didn’t disappear with Parkinson’s. If anything, it became even more meaningful.
My faith has also been a steady source of strength, reminding me that even in uncertainty, there is still purpose, joy, and beauty to be found.