Derek Torry

Derek was diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago when he was 40. The first 5 years were rough as I grasped to find my way through the maze of Parkinson's. But eventually I went on the offensive and began exercising 1-2 hours a day, eating a mostly vegetarian diet and working with Parkinson's related charities. Currently I'm on the board of 3 organizations; Just Us 4 Youth, Drive Toward a Cure and Pass to Pass. The later charity is a lot of fun, we take people with Parkinson's into the outdoors for exercise and camaraderie. I backpack over 200 miles a year now, with Pass to Pass and on my own (with my son too). The result of living an active, healthy lifestyle is that progression of the disease is slow and I feel good.