Famous athletes Brian Grant and Davis Phinney, both diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, have founded Parkinson’s foundations and inspired others to lead active lives despite their condition.
After playing 12 successful seasons in the NBA, Brian Grant retired in 2006. However, two years later, at 36, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Despite this setback, Grant did not let Parkinson’s define him but instead used it as a motivation to help others. As a result, he founded the Brian Grant Foundation to empower individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
“Parkinson’s disease may have my body, but it does not have my mind or heart.”-Brian Grant.
Davis Phinney was an Olympic Bronze medalist and Tour de France stage winner, claiming the most victories of any cyclist in American history. In 2000, at age 40, Davis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Undeterred, he started the Davis Phinney Foundation to encourage those with Parkinson’s to maintain an active lifestyle.
“The greatest gift that Parkinson’s gave me was the realisation that I had the power to choose how I wanted to experience my life.”-Davis Phinney.
Check out this inspiring video featuring Brian Grant and Davis Phinney as they discuss their experiences as athletes with Parkinson’s, their obstacles, and their determination to maintain a positive attitude and live life to the fullest despite the disease.
Happy May 19th ♥
