health
6/7/2026
Pending Review

Air Force Veteran and Physician Turns Parkinson's Diagnosis into Advocacy

Air Force Veteran and Physician Turns Parkinson's Diagnosis into Advocacy
AI-Generated Summary

Dr. Sara Whittingham, an Air Force veteran and former Cleveland Clinic anesthesiologist, has transitioned from a medical professional to a prominent Parkinson's disease advocate. After noticing tremors and cognitive lapses in 2020 at age 46, she was diagnosed with the condition. She has since authored the book "Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s" and was appointed to the Federal Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services. An lifelong athlete and former standout runner, Whittingham overcame initial fears that she would never run again by completing the Ironman World Championship in Kona in 2023. Now a faculty member at Northeast Ohio Medical University, she promotes exercise as a tool for managing symptoms and works to rewrite the narrative of living with the disease.

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Sources

A veteran didn't think much of her forgetfulness, until her arm started to shake: "A life-changing disease" - CBS News

www.cbsnews.com
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Dr. Sara Whittingham thought she would know if something was wrong. But her minor symptoms had a surprising cause.

Veteran runs to fight "life-changing disease" after minor symptoms - AOL

www.aol.com
50%

At first, Whittingham was in disbelief. She thought she was too young for Parkinson's disease. But everything she read pointed to the same diagnosis. The next day, she consulted a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic regional hospital she worked at. Dr. Sara Whittingham and her family in 2023.

'I surprise myself': Former Cleveland Clinic doctor, Parkinson's advocate continues to inspire with new book | wkyc.com

www.wkyc.com
50%

Sara Whittingham crossed the finish line at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in October 2023, she thought it might be her biggest achievement. She was wrong. Two years later, the 51-year-old retired Cleveland Clinic anesthesiologist, Air Force veteran, mother of two, and Parkinson's patient has rewritten what a life with this disease ...

NEOMED's Dr. Sara Whittingham Appointed to Federal Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services | Newswise

www.newswise.com
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She is also a person living with Parkinson's disease. NEOMED Faculty Member Dr. Sara Whittingham Appointed to Federal Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services · Newswise — Sara Ann Whittingham, M.D., a clinical faculty member at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) ...

Oh Crap! It's Parkinson's - Drive Toward a Cure for Parkinson's Disease

www.drivetowardacure.org
50%

Sara Whittingham is an anesthesiologist, Air Force veteran, endurance athlete, and author of Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s: A Rebel’s Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life. After being diagnosed in her 40s, this triathlete and mom fighting Parkinson’s disease remains an unstoppable ...

Lean Out Podcast: Advocacy with Sara Whittingham - Practice Balance

practicebalance.com
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Sara Whittingham. Sara is an anesthesiologist, an Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan, an endurance athlete, a wife, and a mom. Sara was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020, which shook her world and also prompted her to become a fierce advocate for both Parkinson’s patients ...

Doctor with Parkinson's finishes grueling 140.6-mile triathlon: 'You can be active again'

www.usatoday.com
50%

An Ohio doctor diagnosed with Parkinson's thought she would never run again. Instead, she found exercise has helped her symptoms.

Former Steamboat Springs High school track, cross country standout takes on Parkinson’s, Ironman | SteamboatToday.com

www.steamboatpilot.com
50%

Sara Whittingham was a Steamboat Springs High School track and cross country star, ran track and cross county at the U.S. Air Force Academy and even competed in the Steamboat Marathon on her wedding day....

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