About
Lianna Marie is a best-selling author, speaker, and passionate advocate for the Parkinson’s community. For almost thirty years, she served as caregiver and chief cheerleader for her mom, walking with her through every stage of the disease as they learned and adapted together.
Determined to make the journey easier for others, Lianna founded All About Parkinson’s, an online hub that has connected tens of thousands of people with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers worldwide. She currently serves as the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Regional Director of Marketing and Communications, helping advance awareness, education, and support for those impacted by Parkinson’s across multiple communities.
Her breakthrough handbook, Everything You Need to Know About Parkinson’s Disease, has reached readers in nearly fifty countries and spent multiple weeks on Amazon’s Parkinson’s best-seller list. She followed it with Everything You Need to Know About Caregiving for Parkinson’s Disease and The Complete Guide for People with Parkinson’s Disease and Their Loved Ones, trusted resources praised for their clear language and heartfelt advice.
Lianna’s latest release, The Parkinson’s Path: Your Guide to Finding Hope, Happiness, and Meaning on Your Journey With Parkinson’s Disease, offers a compassionate, relatable, and deeply personal guide to navigating the emotional terrain of Parkinson’s disease.
A former international medalist in modern pentathlon and swimming, Lianna competed for Canada before settling in the Pacific Northwest, where she now lives with her husband. When she isn’t writing or speaking, you’ll likely find her training laps in the pool—or answering reader questions here.
“It has been said the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. I was born to help people find hope in the dark times and inspire them to live their life to the fullest.”
– Lianna Marie
“It has been said the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. I was born to help people find hope in the dark times and inspire them to live their life to the fullest.”
– Lianna Marie
Random facts about me
I have both a Canadian and Irish passport (thanks, Grampa Doherty!), as well as a US green card. I speak fluent French (my parents enrolled me in french immersion school for nine years). I’ve sailed in the Tall Ships Race (2006, from Spain to Belgium). I’ve met and fenced Albert II, Prince of Monaco (we tied). I have competed and medaled internationally in swimming and modern pentathon (shooting, fencing, swimming, show jumping, and running). I served in the Canadian Naval Reserve as a naval communicator. I have a special place in my heart for the elderly. I’ve been known to be a wee bit klutzy at times. I’m a huge sports fan (especially hockey and all Olympic sports). I am obsessed with collecting books. I love travel adventures (there are 13 countries on my passport so far), especially when I get to meet and hang out with the locals. I also love red wine, cold pillows, Irish music, Henry David Thoreau quotes, chasing big dreams (and helping others chase theirs), friends who can keep up with my speed talking, my huge extended family, and inspirational people – especially my mom.
I’d love to connect with you!