I’m Still Standing:
A Reflection on Resilience with Parkinson's
Guest Blog by Frank Antonicelli
It’s not whether you get knocked down; It’s whether you get back up.” - Vince Lombardi
For the past 17 years, Parkinson's disease has tested me with countless challenges. It's shaken my body, mind, and spirit in ways I never imagined. But instead of battling PD as an enemy, I've chosen to embrace it as part of my journey. I’ve learned to adapt, finding new ways to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, rather than letting the condition define me.
Along this path, I've experienced both victories and setbacks. In 2020, my health took a severe downturn—my meds stopped working, and my symptoms became so overwhelming that I was bedridden and needed around-the-clock care. I was no longer sure I had a future.
One of the most transformative moments came when I got Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in November 2020. It greatly improved my quality of life and renewed my sense of purpose. I realized I didn’t have to put my dreams on hold. I began to write again, create music, produce videos, start a T-shirt brand and even launch a small publishing company—all the creative endeavors I once thought were beyond my reach. I gained another chance to become who I wanted to be.
The most important lesson Parkinson’s has taught me is to focus on the present with patience and persistence. There's a scene from the movie The Gumball Rally that perfectly captures this idea. The drivers are readying for the race when one of them looks at his co-pilot, tears off the rearview mirror and says, "The first rule of Italian driving is 'Whatsa behind me is not important.'"
That philosophy has become one of my guiding principles. While learning from the past is vital, I’ve discovered it’s just as important not to dwell on it. The only way forward is to embrace where you are now, adapt to your circumstances, and live fully in the moment.
Yes, there are struggles and dark days when I don’t feel like getting up. But I remind myself that while Parkinson’s may shape the path I walk, it doesn’t dictate how I walk it. With consistency and patience, I've continued to move forward—even if it’s only an inch at a time.
This journey has also led me to become a Parkinson's advocate, sharing my story to inspire others to find their own paths. Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about standing your ground—it’s about moving with change, embracing it, and striving to live a life full of purpose and happiness. Parkinson’s is part of my story, but it doesn’t define who I am.
I’m Frank. I’m still standing, and I’m living life on my terms.
