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Four years ago, when she was just 45, Kim Petrie of Hamilton got an unexpected diagnosis. She says her specialist initially doubted she had the disease because she’s so young but tests showed otherwise, “I could see that his demeanor had changed and he brought me back into his office and said, I’m very sorry but I believe you have young onset Parkinson’s disease.”

Tremors, stiffness and other problems with movement are well known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Lesser known symptoms like depression and constant fatigue can be just as hard to manage. Coping with a disease normally reserved for people over 60, Petrie had become depressed, sometimes so badly she couldn’t leave the house.

So 6 months ago, she began a rigorous exercise routine, hoping to improve her mood. She does 30 minutes of strength training, 5 days a week and cardio on top of that. She and her fitness coach have both noticed an improvement in her balance. She also feels her Parkinson’s tremor has lessened. She sees the biggest change in her mood, and her coach, Jeremy White, agrees, “She has more of a glow about her now. She just feels more energetic. When you’re around her, talking to her you can feel different.”

She still takes the same dose of Parkinson’s medication but no longer uses antidepressants. But while Petrie’s Parkinson’s specialist is happy to see her mood improve, he worries about the intensity of her workout because Parkinson’s affects metabolism. He recommends a much milder routine.

But Petrie says she feels stronger than ever, “I can do it. And it’s sort of mind over matter. And it’s getting rid of that negative thought that I can’t.”

She’s prepared for the changes that will come with her Parkinson’s but she won’t let the disease define her.