Air Force Vet With Parkinson’s Shares Ironman Triathlon Journey
She’s combatting her disease with exercise.Cleveland Clinic anesthesiologist Sara Whittingham has faced many challenges in her life, from graduating the Air Force Academy to becoming a physician to training as an endurance athlete. But her latest challenge might be her most difficult yet.After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020, Whittingham began participating in a study that determined how strenuous exercise can (along with medication) help slow the development of her disease. This weekend, she completed the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii, her first triathlon since being diagnosed.“I was pleased because I felt like a real runner again,” Sara recalls. “With medication and exercise, I wasn’t feeling as stiff. I was feeling better overall.” More
