La Crosse man shares journey with young-onset Parkinson’s, finds hope through treatment and community
By Brooklyn Heyn
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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) (WKBT) — April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and one La Crosse man is sharing his story in a deeply personal way—hoping to raise awareness and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Justin Putman was just 29 years old when he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2022.
“I went to move something in my truck and I couldn’t move it with my arm—it just kind of dropped,” Putman recalled. “Ever since then, that was kind of our telltale sign.”
At first, the symptoms seemed minor.
“He was like, ‘Hey, I think I have a pinched nerve in my arm—you know, it just kind of feels dead,’” says his wife, Jessica Putman.
But the diagnosis revealed something much more serious. Parkinson’s disease, which typically impacts older adults, occurs when nerve cells in the brain begin to die, leading to a decrease in dopamine—a chemical that helps control movement.
“Dopamine is a chemical that controls our movements, among other things,” says Dr. Paul Spanel, a neurologist with Emplify Health by Gundersen. “When we have less dopamine in the brain, we run into tremors, slowness, stiffness. In Justin’s case, he’s very young—even for young-onset Parkinson’s—so that makes it even more rare.”
For Putman, the disease affects even the simplest daily tasks.
“One of my biggest symptoms is called bradykinesia—it means you’re a little slower… well, a lot slower than everyone else,” he says.
This month, Justin and Jessica began sharing their journey online, opening up about life with Parkinson’s.
“We just decided to open up a little more so people can follow along with his journey,” Jessica says.
What started as a way to update family and friends has quickly grown into a broader support network.
“People on TikTok are reaching out who also have Parkinson’s and are going through similar journeys,” she says. “Just to have that community is really important.”
Justin says that outpouring of support has made a meaningful difference.
“I knew I had a lot of support behind me, but every time I look at those posts, I’m like, ‘Wow—that’s a lot of people that actually care.’”
Now, Putman is turning to a surgical treatment known as deep brain stimulation, or DBS. The procedure involves implanting electrodes in the brain to help regulate abnormal signals and manage symptoms.
“In his case, the hope is that DBS will help control his Parkinson’s symptoms and help him stay in that ‘good on’ state,” Dr. Spanel says.
While the treatment is not a cure, Putman remains optimistic.
“It’s not a cure—there is no cure for this,” he says. “I haven’t slept well in three or four years. If I can just get a decent eight hours of sleep and remember what that’s like every day, I’m so excited.”
Putman has already undergone surgery to implant the device. Doctors are expected to turn it on for testing May 5.
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Brooklyn Heynbheyn@wkbt.com6087847897