Harvard Professor Shares Battle with Parkinson’s Disease After Four-Year Secret

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Dr. Sue Goldie, an award-winning professor at Harvard University and a leading public health scientist, has publicly revealed her battle with Parkinson's disease after keeping her diagnosis private for more than four years.

Goldie, 61, first noticed troubling symptoms in 2021, including tremors and balance issues, during her training for triathlons. After initial tests revealed she had Parkinson’s, an incurable neurological disorder, she faced a whirlwind of emotions and challenging questions about sharing her condition with colleagues and students.

For nearly four years, Goldie concealed her diagnosis, grappling with how it would affect her reputation in the academic community. “I feel very strongly that I should be able to disclose this when I want, how I want,” she said. Parkinson’s, however, did not wait for her to be ready.

As her symptoms worsened, she found daily tasks exhausting. Goldie began documenting her journey through thousands of video diaries, chronicling her triumphs and struggles as she fought to maintain her identity amid the disease. “I’m strong. Really strong. And vulnerable, too,” she noted in one recording.

Goldie, who holds a MacArthur Fellowship for her innovative work in women’s health, started training for triathlons to combat the progression of her symptoms. She discovered that intense exercise could be beneficial in managing her condition. In 2022, she completed a full Ironman triathlon, a feat few with Parkinson’s have achieved.

Despite growing challenges, Goldie remains determined to advocate for early access to exercise programs for Parkinson’s patients, emphasizing that physical activity is essential for overall health. “I want to combine my specialty with my disease,” she said. “This is who I am right now.”

As she navigates her own uncertainties, Goldie hopes her story will inspire others facing similar challenges. “I want to get things done while I’m still the best me,” she concluded, acknowledging that time is of the essence.