Parkinson's Across America: OhioHealth Patient's Long Journey Through Parkinson's Disease

Scott Rider is used to going fast and far.   The former Ohio State track star, who once held several records, has been slowed by Parkinson’s Disease.  But that hasn’t stopped him from a journey across the heartland of our country, Parkinson’s Across America, with a stop recently in Columbus, Ohio. “There are so many things I can’t do, but what I can do is be a resource, and create outreach, and awareness regarding Parkinson’s,” Rider told NBC4.

Rider visited the OhioHealth Neuroscience Wellness Center. A first-of-its-kind space for those with neurological conditions. A place to exercise, to find others fighting the same fight.  “We bring people in, and we diagnose them, but then it’s really important for us to educate them not only about the disorder, but also how they can use tools at their disposal to really take a lot of control of the disorder,” describes David Hinkle, MD, OhioHealth System Chief, Movement Disorders to NBC4.  

Rider is working with a documentary crew, chronicling each step of his journey around the country, and raising funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation.  "We’re in it to use our stories to help people know that when you’re diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it’s not the end of your life,” encourages Rider. “It’s the beginning of a new style of life.”

It’s estimated that 1.2 million people could be impacted by Parkinson’s by 2030.  Rider has a passion for battling this disease, traveling regularly to Columbus to meet with his treatment team at OhioHealth.  He says his diagnosis 16 years ago was devastating.  But he also says this journey, Parkinson's Across America has opened his eyes to so many others fighting just as hard as he is.

To learn more about Parkinson's Across America, click here.

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