Nancy's Story: Finding Strength, Purpose, and Joy—One Step at a Time
At nearly 79 years old, our dedicated global participant, Nancy Steinle's energy and optimism are nothing short of inspiring. A former marathon runner (she ran her very first marathon at 65 years old!) and an active advocate for living well with Parkinson’s, she lives each day with gratitude and the kind of determination that turns setbacks into strength.
Long before her Parkinson’s diagnosis, Nancy discovered the transformative power of movement and has always been active throughout her life, claiming that exercise is as vital to her as breathing! Over the last few years, following her diagnosis at the end of 2022, exercising with PFP has become an integral part of her daily routine. “I do the exercises every day,” she says. “If I don’t have time for a full video, I ride my stationary bike instead.” Nancy’s dedication to movement and wellness has led to significant improvements in her balance and overall strength. She shares proudly, “My doctor once remarked, ‘Your progress is all thanks to your commitment to exercise.’ That affirmation is all I need to stay motivated!”
Nancy credits her health to consistent movement, her daily gratitude practice, and the incredible support of the Parkinson’s community. “Feeling like you're not alone on the journey is huge,” she shares. Her gratitude list, which she writes in her phone each morning, always includes her support groups—both online and in-person—because feeling supported is vital, in her opinion. Nancy says that gratitude is what keeps her grounded, noting that, “Even on the hardest days, you can still choose to see the good in the world.”
Nancy lives in Perkins, Oklahoma, just outside Stillwater, and when she isn’t exercising, you can find her attending her local support group, tending to her tomatoes and gardening, soaking up the sun with lots of outdoor time, reading, and staying connected through online classes. She’s a proud mother of four and a grandmother to eight, with a great-grandchild as well!
Nancy’s mother, a powerful influence in her life, would often tell her, “If you start something, you finish it.” These words supported Nancy during her running races when she would wear her mother’s engagement ring. And every time she wanted to stop, Nancy would think of these words and keep going! This drive is evident in everything Nancy does, especially her unwavering commitment to exercise. She is a true inspiration, and we are so grateful to have her as part of our PFP community. As Nancy shared, “This journey of PD is an unknown—everybody with it is walking a different path, with different symptoms. But life isn’t over because of Parkinson’s. We all just have to keep trying our best each day.” Her words reflect the strength and hope she brings to those around her. Nancy, we believe you truly embody what it means to live well with Parkinson’s, and we’re cheering you on every single day, friend!