"I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2020. Now, I'm an Ironman."
From Diagnosis to Determination
Dr. Sara Whittingham, an anesthesiologist and Air Force veteran, received a life-changing diagnosis in November 2020 after noticing a resting tremor in her arm. The diagnosis: Parkinson's disease.
Rather than retreat, she enrolled in a study. Led by Dr. Jay Alberts, the research examined the effects of cycling on Parkinson's progression. The findings were striking: maintaining a cycling rate of 75 rotations per minute for 30–40 minutes, at least three times a week, could slow the disease's progression.
Whittingham reported that cycling helped improve her symptoms.
Beyond the Bike
Her commitment to fitness didn't stop at the study. She went on to complete a half triathlon — and beat her husband. In 2023, she competed in the Ironman World Championship. By 2024, she had entered a qualifying event for the U.S. Paralympic Team.
Whittingham is also involved in a newer study examining community-based exercise programs for people with Parkinson's.
A Voice for the Community
She has become a prominent Parkinson's advocate. She spoke at a policy forum hosted by Michael J. Fox and serves on an advisory council for the National Institutes of Health's National Plan to End Parkinson's.
Currently, she is writing a book about her journey.