An interview with Mike Lu: More Than a Diagnosis: Turning Parkinson’s Into Purpose
Biography:
My name is Michael Lu, and I am a School Psychologist, athlete, husband, and Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) advocate. My journey with Parkinson’s began when I first developed symptoms as a teenager. For years, I lived with tremors and uncertainty while being misdiagnosed with Essential Tremor. At 29 years old, after further medical evaluation, I received the life-changing diagnosis of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
Rather than allowing Parkinson’s to define my limitations, I am now choosing to share my experience to inspire, educate, and empower others. Through my personal journey, I share the realities of living with Parkinson’s, the challenges, victories, emotions, and lessons learned along the way.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I have always been someone who embraced an active lifestyle. Growing up, I loved sports, competition, and challenging myself physically. That passion for helping others and overcoming obstacles eventually led me to pursue a career as a School Psychologist, where I have had the privilege of supporting children, families, and communities in reaching their potential.
Looking back, my Parkinson’s journey began around the age of 15 when I first noticed tremors. For many years, I was told I had Essential Tremor, and I learned to adapt while continuing to pursue my education, career, relationships, and the activities that brought me joy. It was not until I was 29 years old, after further medical evaluation, that I received the correct diagnosis of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
Receiving that diagnosis changed the direction of my life, but it did not change who I wanted to be. There were seasons of grief, uncertainty, and having to redefine my future, but I eventually realized I had a choice: I could allow Parkinson’s to become the end of my story, or I could use my experience as the beginning of a new purpose.
My Parkinson’s journey has also been deeply personal because my younger brother Matthew is also diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease as well. Although we share the same diagnosis and genetic connection, our experiences with Parkinson’s have been very different. Watching his journey, including his decision to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), has given me an even deeper understanding of how differently Parkinson’s can affect each individual.
Together, our experiences have strengthened my commitment to raising awareness about Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease and hidden disabilities. Through sharing both the challenges and victories, I hope to remind others that while Parkinson’s may change many aspects of life, it does not take away our ability to pursue our passions, create meaningful connections, and make a positive impact on the world.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
My advocacy focuses on raising awareness about Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease and hidden disabilities. Many people associate Parkinson’s only with older adults, but my goal is to show that Parkinson’s can impact individuals at any stage of life. Through storytelling, social media content, speaking opportunities, and community engagement, I hope to bring visibility to the physical, emotional, and invisible challenges that individuals with Parkinson’s experience. My mission is simple: to remind people that a diagnosis does not mean the end of your story
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is helping people recognize that even during life’s hardest seasons, there is still purpose, hope, and opportunity. After receiving my diagnosis, I realized there were many people silently struggling with symptoms, fear, and uncertainty. I wanted to share my story so others would feel less alone and more empowered to continue pursuing the things that matter most. I advocate for increased awareness, research funding, and ultimately finding better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I hope individuals with Parkinson’s feel inspired to:
- Continue pursuing their passions and dreams
- Stay physically and mentally active
- Build a strong support system
- Advocate for themselves and their healthcare
- Recognize that their diagnosis is only one part of their identity
My goal is for people to leave feeling encouraged that they still have a meaningful life ahead of them.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
My advocacy is not a formal training program. Instead, I focus on education, storytelling, awareness, and sharing resources from my lived experience with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Through my content, I share lessons learned from living with Parkinson’s, maintaining an active lifestyle, navigating treatment decisions, and developing resilience.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
My hope is that my advocacy provides connection, encouragement, and empowerment. Parkinson’s can sometimes feel isolating, especially for those experiencing symptoms that others cannot see. By sharing my authentic journey of my struggles and my successes, I hope others feel understood and reminded that they are not alone.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
My long-term vision is to build a larger movement focused on awareness of Parkinson’s and hidden disabilities. I hope to continue sharing stories, collaborating with organizations, speaking publicly, supporting research efforts, and creating a community where individuals affected by Parkinson’s feel seen, heard, and empowered.
What events do you participate in?
I participate in Parkinson’s awareness events, community activities, athletic events, and opportunities that promote health, resilience, and inclusion. I also use my personal athletic journey, including hockey, swimming, hiking, strength training, and outdoor activities, to demonstrate that people living with Parkinson’s can continue pursuing meaningful goals.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers often carry emotional and physical responsibilities that are not always visible. My advocacy aims to help caregivers better understand the Parkinson’s journey while also reminding them that they need support too. By sharing honest experiences, I hope families and caregivers feel more connected, informed, and encouraged.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
People can connect with me through my social media platforms:
Instagram: instagram.com/mikeyhasparkies
Facebook: Facebook.com/mikeyhasparkies
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeyhasparkies
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeyhasparkies
Website: Currently developing my personal advocacy platform.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Anyone can become an advocate by sharing information, educating others, participating in awareness events, supporting research, listening to those living with Parkinson’s, and helping reduce stigma surrounding invisible disabilities. Advocacy begins with compassion and willingness to tell stories that create understanding.
If you could add any questions to this interview that you may want others to learn about, what would the question(s) be? And what is your response?
What has Parkinson’s taught you about life?
Parkinson’s has taught me that we cannot always control the challenges we face, but we can control how we respond. It has taught me to appreciate the present moment, prioritize relationships, and continue chasing purpose despite uncertainty.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
The key to effective advocacy is authenticity. People connect with real stories. Advocacy is not about being perfect; it is about being honest, creating awareness, and helping others feel understood.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
We can improve fundraising by increasing awareness, sharing personal stories, creating community driven events, and helping people understand the urgency of Parkinson’s research. When people understand the impact of Parkinson’s beyond the diagnosis, they are more likely to support the mission of finding better treatments and a cure.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I believe movement is my best medicine. I focus on maintaining an active lifestyle through swimming, hockey, hiking, strength training, surfing, and other physical activities. I also focus on proper nutrition, sleep, mental health, staying connected with loved ones, and working closely with my medical team to manage my symptoms
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Parkinson’s affects more than just the person diagnosed. It impacts families, caregivers, workplaces, and communities. Many people live with invisible challenges, and increasing awareness creates a more compassionate and supportive world for everyone.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes. Parkinson’s has affected my family personally. My younger brother Matthew also lives with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease, which has given me an even deeper understanding of the impact this disease has on individuals and families as we both have YOPD.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Life Focus – Trayda
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Parkinson’s may be part of my story, but it does not define who I am. We cannot always choose the mountains we climb, but we can choose how we climb them. Keep moving forward, keep believing, and remember that your life still has purpose.
TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Would you like to share your journey! Reach out and together our Voices are so much STRONGER!