About Me — David Williams

Triathlete. Parkinson’s Advocate. Fighter. Never Giving Up.

My name is David Williams, and I'm a triathlete living with Parkinson's disease. But my story is about much more than a diagnosis. It's about transformation, determination, overcoming obstacles, and making the decision to keep moving forward no matter what life throws my way.

And believe me, life has thrown a few things my way.

My Journey Started Long Before Parkinson's

In my early 50s, I stood 5'10" and weighed 284 pounds. I knew something had to change. Eventually, I reached a point where I simply said, "Enough is enough."

I lost a total of 108 pounds, completely transforming my health and my life. From April 2020 to August 2021, I lost 78 of the 108 pounds.

In December 2020, at age 54, at 222 pounds, I started running. At the time, I never imagined where those first steps would take me.

In October 2023, at age 56, shortly before my 57th birthday, I crossed the finish line of my first full marathon — 26.2 miles. It was one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.

What made that achievement even more meaningful was that earlier that same year, I underwent two rotator cuff surgeries, just 11 weeks apart.

After finishing the marathon, I decided I wasn't finished challenging myself. I wanted to become a triathlete.

Swimming. Cycling. Running. Three sports, one goal, and a whole new set of challenges.

Little did I know that my biggest challenge was still ahead.

The Day Everything Changed

On April 16, 2025, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

I'll never forget that day.

For approximately 30 days after my diagnosis, I found myself wondering what my future would look like. How much of the life I had worked so hard to build would Parkinson's take away?

There were more questions than answers.

But after that first month, I made a decision that changed my perspective.

I wasn't going to stop living my life just because I was living with Parkinson's.

I couldn't control the diagnosis, but I could control how I responded to it.

So I kept moving. I kept swimming, cycling, running, and pushing myself. Not because Parkinson's isn't challenging — it absolutely is — but because I refuse to let it make every decision about my future.

Turning My Diagnosis Into a Purpose

Today, Parkinson's advocacy is a major part of my life.

I'm proud to serve on the Board of the Carolinas Chapter of the Parkinson's Foundation, helping support its mission and the Parkinson's community.

I'm also currently the #1 individual Parkinson's Champions athlete fundraiser in the United States for the Parkinson's Foundation in 2026.

That's an accomplishment that means more to me than any race medal.

I regularly wear Parkinson's awareness shirts and paint my fingernails the color of the foundations logo to get people's attention. Sometimes complete strangers walk up and start talking with me.

That's exactly what I want.

Every shirt, every painted fingernail, and every conversation is an opportunity to raise awareness, educate someone about Parkinson's, and perhaps inspire another person who is facing a difficult challenge.

I don't mind standing out if it means Parkinson's gets noticed.

A Conversation With My Neurologist I'll Never Forget

In October 2026, I had a visit with my neurologist that reinforced everything I've been working toward.

She was ecstatic about how well I was doing.

At one point, she told me, "We need to bottle up whatever you're doing."

She also told me that I could push as hard as I wanted with my exercise.

For someone who had spent those first 30 days after diagnosis wondering what Parkinson's might take away, hearing those words was incredibly encouraging.

I know Parkinson's is progressive. I understand there are no guarantees about what tomorrow will bring. And I know that what works for me may not work for everyone.

But I believe that staying active, challenging myself, maintaining a positive attitude, and refusing to surrender to fear have made an enormous difference in my life.

I'm not exercising because I think I can outrun Parkinson's.

I'm exercising because I want to live the fullest life possible while I have the opportunity.

Why I'm Part of The Unsteady Show

Parkinson's isn't just about tremors. It affects people physically, mentally, and emotionally, often in ways the outside world never sees.

Some days are harder than others. Some symptoms are frustrating. And sometimes I have to adjust my expectations.

But through it all, I want people to understand that a Parkinson's diagnosis doesn't mean your life is over.

My journey has taken me from 284 pounds to becoming a marathoner and triathlete. From two shoulder surgeries to completing 26.2 miles. From the uncertainty of a life-changing diagnosis to becoming a national fundraiser and advocate for the Parkinson's community.

And I'm still writing the next chapter.

Through The Unsteady Show, I hope to share my experiences openly — the victories, the setbacks, the challenges, and even the moments when I have to laugh at myself.

If my journey encourages one person to get moving, gives someone newly diagnosed a little hope, or helps a stranger better understand Parkinson's disease, then sharing my story is worth it.

Parkinson's is part of my life, but it doesn't define who I am.

I'm a husband, father, grandfather, marathoner, triathlete, advocate, and someone who still has big dreams.

I may be unsteady at times, but I'm not standing still.

And I have no intention of starting now.

— David Williams