Jana Zubčáková 

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 41.

It started subtly, with a tremor in my little finger and the feeling that I was dragging one leg while walking. After examinations and a DaT scan, the diagnosis was confirmed, and my life changed.

At first, I hid it and felt ashamed to talk about it. Gradually, however, I realized that sharing helps. Meeting other people with Parkinson’s disease showed me how important community and mutual support are. That is why I founded a patient organization dedicated to people with Parkinson’s disease in Slovakia. We organize meetings and sports events, spread awareness, and through a podcast I speak with experts and patients about living with this disease.

My life with Parkinson’s disease is not easy. Despite that, in many ways it is beautiful. It has given me the opportunity to do something meaningful, help others, bring people together, and be part of a large community for which I am deeply grateful.

Another major part of my life is movement. Research shows that regular intensive physical activity can slow the progression of the disease and improve motor symptoms. That is why I exercise almost every day, and I see what a big difference it makes. When I exercise regularly, I feel better, and I have even managed to reduce the doses of some medications.

Movement gives me the feeling that, even with Parkinson’s disease, there are still things I can influence. That is why this portrait captures a moment during exercise. It is a symbol of my everyday struggle, but also of hope — that even with this diagnosis, it is possible to live an active, meaningful life together with others.