On June 13, Orlando Sentinel reporter Todd Stewart, 42, wrote about why and how he disclosed his young-onset Parkinson's diagnosis with his friends, family and coworkers. Six years after his diagnosis and once his symptoms became difficult to hide, Todd decided it was time to end the secret and start the conversation.

Rachel Dolhun, MD, on-staff movement disorder specialist and vice president of medical communications at MJFF, chatted with Todd over video to offer a positive perspective to sharing what he's been living with:

"When you take away the secrecy and you allow yourself to participate in the community and connect with people on a broader and more open level, you start to see how those connections allow you to live so much better with Parkinson's."

Now, with honest, open dialogue, Todd says, "shame and secrecy were replaced by love and support."

Need help starting or continuing the conversation about Parkinson's with colleagues? Download our free, two-part guide, "Sharing Your Diagnosis at Work" and "Talking about Parkinson's at Work."

Read Todd's entire commentary and watch his video testimony in the Orlando Sentinel.