Episode #9 Dr. Jonathan Lessin

Dr. Jonathan Lessin is a former Cardiac Anesthesiologist whose career was cut short nine years after the diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease at the age of 38.  Initially he was able to keep working with medication and eventually Deep Brain Stimulation at age 42.

After Dr. Lessin voluntarily retired in 2012, he found rock climbing as a form of exercise to further aid him in his struggle with the disease. Ultimately, Jon helped to form a PD rock climbing group at Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria, VA. 

He also authored a book, titled Tenacity, about his experience with Parkinson’s, deep brain stimulation and different forms of exercise that improved the quality of his life. 

Jonathan now finds happiness encouraging those living with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease to attempt things they thought they could never do.