Hello there!

I’m Serina Marie. In 2019, I had DBS (deep brain stimulation) for dystonia and shortly after came the Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) diagnosis. All of that resulted in me having to make a lot of changes to my life, mainly having to step away from my career which I truly enjoyed.

Since then, I spend my time with family, sometimes volunteering, learning new things and figuring out what’s next for me and what’s best for me. I live in the Pacific Northwest and have loved the idea of going places since I was a little girl. I’m determined not to let dystonia or Parkinson’s stop me from doing the things I’ve always dreamed of.

In my early days with dystonia, I didn’t know anyone like me who was going through similar challenges. I always believed I wasn’t the only one but but I didn’t understand why I didn’t see any accounts of people living with dystonia that didn’t scare me. There were really tough times, when I couldn’t walk or move and I began to understand how fatigue was entirely different than being tired.

I hope that I can encourage others by sharing what it’s been like for me so far and what I’ve learned about living well and how I manage fitness, fun and travel. Things may change and I’m open to the possibilities. For now, I’m simply happy to share as I’m on the journey.

What else? I grew up in Philly (yep, the birthplace of the nation), worked in corporate finance and earned an MBA. I love limes in my water and my favorite day of the week is Monday! I believe each day we are given is a gift and no matter what you are facing today I wish you abundant joy!