Keep pushing the boundaries. A journey with Parkinson’s

meet Somesh PatakA security MVP in the Netherlands, he took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2020. From battling stigma at work to finding strength in his family, Somesh’s story is one of resilience and determination. We We asked him how these challenges shaped his journey as a professional, community leader, and father.

How has being diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease affected your personal and professional life?

I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) in 2020, but the initial signs of hypokinetic rigidity syndrome started in 2016-2017. At the time, I was living in India and doctors could not find the cause of my symptoms. I moved to Stockholm in 2019 and underwent extensive tests at the Karolinska Hospital, where I was diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

Transition from healthy living to healthy living no way Hidden disability has had a serious impact on my personal and professional life. One of the most difficult challenges I have faced professionally was not receiving support from my previous employer’s previous manager. At one point, I felt ashamed of having YOPD, mainly because of my symptoms and the stigma I felt at work. Instead of getting the support I needed, I was asked to work overtime, which only made things worse.

Controlling the disease has also been quite difficult. One of the most difficult things I have experienced is feeling a lot of guilt, mainly related to my family and my 5-year-old son. Even sports and light tasks suddenly become difficult, and I feel like I am not doing my best. I often feel depressed and dissatisfied, and I feel like I am not always 100% repaying the efforts of others who care for me.

Socially, my self-esteem and my behavior around others have been affected because I was afraid that my symptoms would appear or change randomly. The symptoms are always present and affect my voice, sleep, diet, and overall physical condition. Despite these difficulties, I try to maintain a balance between my work and personal life to maintain as much normalcy as possible.

What has been the most difficult aspect of Parkinson’s disease? How did you stay motivated throughout your journey?

Psychological and emotional suffering has been one of the most difficult aspects of my journey with Parkinson’s. The physical pain was hard, but the greatest suffering for me was emotional. ~ of Frustration and helplessness. Dealing with YOPD had already weakened the left side of my body, and after surgery Repair my ACL, my The right side was also significantly affected. I often felt like I was losing the fight, understanding that healing could take up to 9 months.

I was able to get through this difficult time thanks in particular to the unwavering support of my wife and son. My wife was my rock. She told me inspiring stories of people who had overcome much more difficult obstacles in life, and that motivated me to keep going. Her support helped me focus on my recovery and get back on my feet with confidence. Another inspiration came from my son, who reminded me to be there for him and be resilient.

In addition to my family, my colleagues played a huge role in keeping me motivated. They encouraged me to push my boundaries physically and mentally, and gave me the confidence to face each day with renewed determination.

It was never easy, but with the emotional support of my loved ones and their belief in me, I was able to overcome one of the toughest obstacles in my life.

What does it mean to you to be a Microsoft MVP and contribute to the technology community?

Becoming a Microsoft MVP is more than just a title or recognition. It’s a commitment to contributing significantly to the technology community in a meaningful way. Every contribution, from blogging to speaking at events to helping others solve their technology challenges, is an opportunity to make a positive impact. For me, it’s about sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and being part of a larger community that thrives on innovation and collaboration.

The MVP program has been a great source of encouragement, especially on tough days when other aspects of life, such as dealing with health issues, have been overwhelming. Knowing that my efforts are valued and that I can make a difference in someone’s learning journey motivates me to keep going. It gives me a sense of purpose and direction even during difficult times.

The outpouring of support from the community when I shared my personal story at our monthly Nordics & Benelux MVP call was truly inspiring.

The encouragement and solidarity of my peers reminded me of the power of a strong and supportive group, and helped me get going. This sense of belonging and the opportunity to give back make becoming a Microsoft MVP very special to me.

Based on your personal experience and insights, what advice would you give to someone going through a personal, health, or career crisis?

Life’s challenges test our limits, whether it’s physical injuries or health conditions. But they also demonstrate our strength, resilience, and adaptability. Through my journey of recovery and community contribution, I’ve learned that while the road can be tough, the destination is worth every struggle. There will be more challenges and obstacles to overcome, but you should emerge stronger at every step.

Keep pushing boundaries. Stay strong, stay motivated, and keep making a difference. We are all in this together, and together we can achieve greatness. There is no limit to what we can achieve and what we can accomplish when we don’t give up.

To all who are facing their own battles, remember this: Keep pushing. Your spirit is stronger than you think. Use your challenges as stepping stones to greater heights. Together, we can achieve amazing things, one step at a time.