For Sally Stumpf, the journey toward understanding her own health has been a decade-long series of unexpected collisions with illness. From a sudden cancer diagnosis to a crushing descent into clinical depression, and finally to the discovery of Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD), her life has been marked by the kind of medical volatility that can either break a person or forge a new, more resilient version of them.
The pattern of her health challenges often mirrored a hidden connection. Years after recovering from a malignant tumour and surviving a severe depressive episode, Stumpf discovered that the latter may have been a precursor to her current neurological condition. In January 2025, she was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease, a diagnosis that provided a retrospective explanation for years of unexplained apathy and mental health struggles.
Now, Stumpf has transitioned from patient to advocate, serving as a director on the board of EOPD Ireland. By sharing her story and utilizing social media to connect with others facing the same diagnosis, she is working to dismantle the stigma and ignorance that often surround those living with Parkinson’s under the age of 50.
The Invisible Burden: From Bowel Cancer to Depression
The volatility began ten years ago when Stumpf experienced symptoms she initially attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). After a colonoscopy and a subsequent CT scan, she received the news that her life would change in an instant: she had a malignant tumour in her bowel. She underwent a right hemicolectomy and, driven by a desire to protect her three children—then aged 11, 9, and 5—she shielded them from the reality of her cancer diagnosis, a decision influenced by the trauma of losing her own mother to breast cancer when she was 21.
Though she made a full recovery, a different kind of battle emerged three years later. Without warning, severe depression entered her life, stripping her of joy and sleep, and eventually leading her to a point where she was no longer capable of making safe decisions for herself. She recalls the stark contrast of visiting Pieta House on Christmas Eve, where the internal darkness of her depression clashed with the festive laughter of an ice skating rink across the road.
The Diagnosis: Unmasking Early Onset Parkinson’s
The link between her mental health struggles and her neurological health only became clear in early 2025. Medical professionals note that unexplained episodes of severe depression or apathy can be early non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. For Stumpf, the year preceding her diagnosis was characterized by a profound sense of apathy—often mistaken for laziness—where she would find herself staring at a wall for hours, relying on alarms to remind her to collect her children from school.
While Parkinson’s is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over 60, Parkinson’s disease is classified as “early onset” when it affects those under the age of 50 or 55. For Stumpf, the diagnosis brought a period of shock and a grieving process for the future she had envisioned. The emotional toll extended to her husband, Tom, and her children, Oscar, Max, and Anya.
Stumpf describes the diagnosis as a “grieving process,” recalling the advice of her doctor to share the news only with a close circle until she could say the words “I have Parkinson’s” without crying. The struggle was compounded by a healthcare system in Ireland where neurology appointments are plagued by long waiting lists, leaving many patients feeling unsupported, and alone.
Combating Stigma Through Movement and Community
The social challenges of EOPD can be as debilitating as the physical ones. Stumpf recounts instances of being accused of being intoxicated at 11 a.m. While on holiday, or being reduced to tears while struggling with simple tasks like peeling labels in a post office, due to the tremors and motor difficulties associated with the disease.
To combat the progression of the disease, Stumpf turned to intensive exercise, which research suggests can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. After a humiliating experience in a group Pilates class where her tremors were addressed publicly, she sought specialized one-on-one support. She connected via Instagram with Vicky, known as “The Fitness Mum,” a personal trainer who also lives with EOPD.
Through a regimen of yoga, gym work, and boxing, Stumpf has seen visible improvements in her coordination. She now lifts 6kg weights and engages in weekly boxing sessions, activities that are highly recommended for those with Parkinson’s to maintain balance and agility.
Paying It Forward: The Path to Advocacy
Determined to prevent others from feeling the isolation she experienced, Stumpf launched her Instagram page, @sally.stumpf, to provide a community for those newly diagnosed. This effort has culminated in her leadership role with EOPD Ireland, an unfunded charity dedicated to increasing awareness and support for those with early onset Parkinson’s.
Her commitment to the cause has moved from the digital space to physical challenges. Recently, she led a walk in Bath with 30 friends and family members to raise awareness. Her upcoming efforts include a high-profile abseil in Dalkey Quarry on April 11—Parkinson’s Awareness Day—and a black-tie gala ball at the Faithlegg House Hotel on April 25 to raise critical funds for EOPD Ireland.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
As Stumpf continues her work with EOPD Ireland, her next major milestone is the April 25 gala, which aims to secure the funding necessary to provide better support structures for patients navigating the complexities of early onset neurological disease.
We invite readers to share their own experiences with EOPD or mental health advocacy in the comments below.
