A Diagnosis That Became a Mission
In 2012, Dan O'Brien — a South Florida professional musician — received a life-changing diagnosis: Parkinson's disease. At the time, Dan had no health insurance. The cost of medications alone was overwhelming, and the financial and emotional burden was enormous.
Rather than retreat, Dan chose to fight back — not just for himself, but for every person walking the same difficult road. In that personal struggle, DOB Parkinson's Charity was born.
"I got the idea to post something every day during April 2016 on social media to share information not only with people who have Parkinson's, but also the selfless individuals who are their caregivers. The reaction was overwhelming — people from all over the globe began sharing their own stories."
Author & Educator
Dan is the author of DOB Candid Reflections and DOB Does DBS (hardcover) — two books chronicling his personal journey with Parkinson's disease and Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. Both are available through our books page.
Speaker & Advocate
Dan speaks at community events and organizations throughout South Florida, sharing firsthand knowledge and lived experience. His authentic musician's voice connects with people on a deeply human level — cutting through the clinical to reach the personal.
As founder and sole operator of DOB Parkinson's Charity, Dan ensures every dollar donated goes directly to patients — no overhead, no exceptions.
