Air Force Veteran and Physician Turns Parkinson's Diagnosis into Advocacy
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.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
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
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
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) ...
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 ...
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 ...
Former Steamboat Springs High school track, cross country standout takes on Parkinson’s, Ironman | SteamboatToday.com
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....
Fact Checks
Related news
Experts Advise Cutting Ultra-Processed Foods for Better Gut and Heart Health
Multiple dietitians emphasize the critical need to reduce consumption of specific ultra-processed foods (UPFs) due to their potential link to poor gut health, increased heart disease risk, and higher rates of certain cancers. While most experts advocate for a whole-foods approach, some sources suggest that labeling all UPFs as detrimental may be misleading, noting that certain 'demonized' junk foods might still play a role in weight management.
Senate Passes Funding Bill, Blocking White House Overhaul of Federal Science Grants
The US Senate voted to fund the government through December 11, 2026, passing a measure that explicitly blocks new White House regulations concerning federal grant funding. Advocates for scientific integrity argue that the proposed changes—which affect areas like cancer research and graduate student training—could subject medical research to political litmus tests rather than judging them by their public health impact.
JPS Health Network Faces Prolonged Computer Outage, Diverting Ambulances and Impacting Care
JPS Health Network has been dealing with an extended technology failure, leading to significant operational disruptions and requiring the rerouting of ambulances from its facilities. The network confirmed that systems were taken offline following the detection of 'suspicious activity.' Despite the widespread outage, JPS spokespeople maintain that the hospital remains open for patients, though sources report staff are relying on manual, paper-based processes to continue care.
Studies Link Certain Hormonal Contraceptives to Increased Brain Tumor Risk
Multiple studies and reports are examining whether specific types of hormonal contraceptives, including Depo-Provera, may increase the risk of slow-growing brain tumors known as meningiomas. While these drugs remain vital components of reproductive care globally, the controversy involves ongoing legal scrutiny and calls for clearer scientific data. Patients and doctors are advised to discuss individual risk factors and alternative contraceptive options with a healthcare provider.
Joe Biden's Cancer Has Spread To Bones, Son Reports
Former President Joe Biden's prostate cancer has reportedly worsened and metastasized to his bones and other organs, according to his son, Hunter Biden. Sources indicate the disease progression is causing him considerable physical distress and pain. Hunter Biden has been speaking publicly about the severity of his father’s condition, detailing how the spread of the Stage 4 cancer limits his mobility and overall quality of life.
New Guidelines Stress Personalized Testing and Genetic Factors in Heart Health
Leading cardiology associations are updating guidelines to recommend stricter LDL targets and emphasizing comprehensive, personalized risk assessments for heart disease. Beyond standard lipid panels, experts urge testing for specific genetic risk factors, including Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). This highlights that diet alone may not determine cardiovascular risk, requiring a deeper look into individual genetics.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.