Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Becker.
Victor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was diagnosed at 53 and forced to adapt my competitive softball pitching technique—the first of countless adjustments I would make over the next two decades. As a career human resources professional, I spent over thirty years observing people from all walks of life, insights I now bring to my advocacy work for the Parkinson’s community. I serve on the board of directors for Capital Area Parkinson’s Society, supporting the greater Austin, Texas community. Despite the progressive nature of PD, I maintain an active lifestyle and optimism that a cure will be found in my lifetime. At 72, I go through my day to day knowing that with determination, humor, and the right mindset, you can thrive—not just survive—with Parkinson’s disease. Punch Out Parkinson’s Disease is my second book, written to provide the lighthearted, practical guidance I wished I’d had at diagnosis.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After my initial internet research, I was left with an overwhelming list of symptoms, medications, and uncertainties. I learned that what you really need is someone to guide you through the daily reality of living with PD while keeping your spirits up. Remember that while PD may slow you down, it doesn’t have to control your life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My journey with Parkinson’s disease began in a way I never expected—on a softball field. At 53, as a competitive pitcher, I realized I could no longer throw strikes. That moment was my first sign that something wasn’t right. Not long after, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At the time, I thought it would define the rest of my life in limiting ways. Instead, it reshaped my purpose. Over the past twenty years, I’ve evolved from a newly diagnosed patient struggling to hide my symptoms to an advocate and someone who speaks openly about them. My professional background spans more than three decades in human resources, where I built a career centered on people—understanding them, supporting them, and helping them navigate challenges. That foundation has shaped how I approach Parkinson’s: with resilience, adaptability, and a belief in the strength of the human spirit. Today, I serve on the advisory board for the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society in Austin, Texas. In this role, I focus on supporting both patients and caregivers, helping them find resources, community, and reassurance that they are not alone. I’ve become known for my honest and often humorous approach to Parkinson’s—because while the disease is serious, I believe how we face it matters just as much. What I’m most proud of is not just managing Parkinson’s, but continuing to live fully in spite of it. At 72, I remain active, engaged, and committed to making a difference. I’m also an identical twin, and my brother does not have Parkinson’s, which gives me a unique and personal perspective on the disease. As a father and grandfather, my greatest joy comes from my family, and they continue to be my motivation every day. What sets me apart is my perspective: I don’t see Parkinson’s as something that took my life away—I see it as something that challenged me to redefine it.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I don’t see Parkinson’s as something that took my life away—it pushed me to redefine it. I can’t control the diagnosis, but I can control how I show up each day. And if my story helps even one person feel a little more hopeful, that’s enough for me.
Pricing:
- Punch Out Parkinson’s Disease: Do More Than Just Survive, Thrive! is available on Amazon for $15.99 (paperback)
- Punch Out Parkinson’s Disease: Do More Than Just Survive, Thrive! is available on Amazon for $23.99 (hardcover)
- Punch Out Parkinson’s Disease: Do More Than Just Survive, Thrive! is available on Amazon for $6.99 (Kindle)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.victorpbecker.com
- Instagram: vichr19
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicbecker/
- Twitter: Vbecker1741
