Turning Diagnosis into Drive: How Jessica Krauser is Empowering the Parkinson’s Community
When Jessica Krauser was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) at just 37 years old, her world changed overnight. As a mom, wife, and active member of her Ohio community, Jessica never imagined that the tremor in her hand would lead to a progressive neurological disease. Instead of letting the diagnosis define or limit her, she made a powerful choice: to use her story as a source of strength, for herself and others.
In the years since, Jessica has become a beacon of hope in the Parkinson’s community. Her courage, vulnerability, and drive have sparked a growing movement centered around connection, support, and empowerment. And it all started with a group of friends who simply wanted to show her she wasn’t alone.
A Community Comes Together
In 2021, not long after her diagnosis, Jessica’s close friends organized the very first 5KforJK — a community walk/run named in her honor. Their goal was simple but heartfelt: raise awareness about Parkinson’s and rally behind their friend.
They expected a modest turnout. Instead, more than 500 people showed up. The event raised over $93,000, proving that Jessica’s story had already touched more lives than she knew. What started as a gesture of support quickly evolved into something bigger.
Seeing how many people wanted to help and how many needed this kind of connection, Jessica and her friends decided to turn the 5K into something that would last. In 2022, they officially founded 5KforJK, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson’s and advocating for research toward a cure.
From Fear to Empowerment
Parkinson’s can be an isolating disease, especially for younger people who don’t fit the stereotype of a typical patient. Jessica knows firsthand how scary those first few months after diagnosis can be, how easy it is to spiral into fear.
That’s why 5KforJK’s mission is focused on reducing the fear of the unknown and replacing it with action, education, and connection.
“Our goal is to empower people to take control of their journey,” Jessica says. “The earlier someone starts exercising, learning, and building community, the better they can manage their symptoms and maintain quality of life.”
It’s this proactive mindset that guides everything 5KforJK does.
Supporting the Journey – One Step at a Time
Through the nonprofit, Jessica and her team have launched several impactful initiatives:
First Step Set Kits
For newly diagnosed individuals, 5KforJK sends out free kits filled with tools, resources, and thoughtful touches—everything from Parkinson’s-friendly water bottles and hand-strengthening balls to journals, guides, and personal notes. The idea is to equip people with both information and emotional support as they take their first steps post-diagnosis. To date, over 600 kits have been distributed across the U.S.
The Secret Life of Parkinson’s Podcast
Hosted by Jessica and fellow Parkinson’s warrior Brian Baker, the podcast dives into the realities of living with the disease with honesty, humor, and heart. Episodes explore everything from daily symptoms to relationships and mental health, helping listeners feel seen, heard, and less alone.
Exercise Sponsorships
Since exercise is one of the most effective ways to slow Parkinson’s progression, 5KforJK helps individuals access classes, trial gym memberships, and fitness communities tailored to their needs. It’s all about making movement more accessible physically, emotionally, and financially.
A Voice That Matters
Jessica doesn’t sugarcoat her reality. Living with Parkinson’s is hard. There are days when symptoms flare up, when energy runs low, or when the weight of the unknown feels heavy.
What sets her apart is her refusal to let the disease define her life or the lives of others. She uses her platform to speak openly about her experiences, raise awareness, and advocate for change. Whether she’s on a podcast mic, on a fundraising stage, or talking one-on-one with someone newly diagnosed, Jessica leads with empathy and authenticity.
Her story reminds us that when we face life’s hardest moments with courage and community, we don’t just survive; we thrive.
In Jessica’s own words:
“I can’t control that I have Parkinson’s, but I can control how I respond to it. And I choose to respond with purpose.”
And with that choice, she’s helping thousands of others do the same.