She takes each new day as an opportunity

Shira Coffman
McLean, Virginia

Year of diagnosis: 2022

Exercises of choice: I like to ride my Peloton bike and do the workouts connected to the program. I also recently rediscovered rock climbing through Upending Parkinson’s, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals living with PD to climb free of charge and with volunteer support. I do yoga and other fitness classes at my gym (shout-out to OneLife in McLean, Va.). 

Favorite outdoor exercise: Hiking trails and just walking around town

Favorite place to hike: I recently went hiking in Switzerland, and my husband, Brian, and I tackled a tough trail for me — but it was awesome and I’d love to do it again!

Toughest hike and why: The Swiss hike I just mentioned because I used my cane to navigate the rocks. Altitude was also a factor, and I was sore — but I had so much fun I really wasn’t focused on how hard it was.

Most proud of related to exercise: I’m proud of my more recent consistency. For the first few years of my diagnosis I had a lot of other really difficult life issues aside from having PD, and I also have depression and anxiety that existed prior to my PD diagnosis. Now that I’m in a much better place mentally, I am proud that I incorporate some kind of walking, workout, or movement activity nearly every day.

Outdoor or exercise gear that is a must: Hiking boots

Advice for someone recently diagnosed who wants to stay active: It is a daily choice to be active. It is much easier to go into denial and think that your PD symptoms will disappear or improve without being active, but nothing could be further from the truth. When we choose to move we are choosing ourselves.

Biggest challenge with Parkinson’s right now: Lots of them, but the most recent issue has been the inconsistency of being able to use my hands for smaller motor skills, like things in the kitchen, putting on makeup, washing my hair, writing. I get quite frustrated with myself and have to take a lot more time to do any task.

How I try to stay positive: I wake up daily and I think to myself, “This day is the best and most healthy you will ever be. Don’t waste the opportunity to make it a good one by being sad.” My husband and family are a tremendous support who encourage me, check on me and help me stay positive. Of course I have a lot of moments when I want to punch PD in the face, but for the most part I am super grateful for my ability to move and be active for now. I try to focus on what I can still do and not what I can’t (not always easy!). I keep away from stressful drama as much as possible to stay positive and healthy. I’m learning to recalibrate in social situations so they are more manageable. I surround myself with people who support me and who love me. I look to other PD warriors and I don’t feel so alone. I feel inspired to keep fighting!!  

Interests/hobbies: Plants! My husband and I have roughly 100+ rare and not-so-rare houseplants that we care for. I like hiking trails and listening to music. I love reading and listening to audiobooks. I love traveling and roadtrips, especially when I get to see friends I haven’t seen for a while. I like fishing a lot, too.  

Career field: I stopped working in July of 2026 to take care of my health when I found I was unable to perform my job duties both cognitively and physically. I am currently on short-term disability working with the Commonwealth to secure my disability retirement as I am 49 years old and not technically eligible. I’ve been in this process for the better part of 2026.  My departure from work was bittersweet after 27 years serving the nation’s 10th-largest public school system as a manager in special education. Although difficult in so many ways, stopping working has given me the time and space to focus on self care and my overall health. The stress of work was making my symptoms way worse.

Something the world should know: My dad also has Parkinson’s disease, and his late wife (my stepmother) did too. Let’s keep grinding to find a cure and advance treatment for PD! 

How to find me online: Instagram @the_PD_Vibecheck

A climber goes up the wall of an indoor gym.
A hiker stands with a cane in front of the Matterhorn.

Despite having Parkinson’s disease, Shira Coffman tries to get the most out of life. That’s why she visits indoor climbing places, left, and tries difficult hikes in beautiful Switzerland, right.

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If you have Parkinson’s disease and the outdoors and exercise are part of your life, share your story in Unshakable Voices. Email unshakablehiker@gmail.com for details.