Hi, my name is Alex Sunshine,

I’m a 17-year-old girl living in Los Angeles, CA. My dad, Randy Sunshine, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, so I’ve grown up with it as a constant part of my life as well as it progressively gets worse. Along with my dad’s illness, my family has faced other challenges that have made things emotionally difficult at times. Over the years, I’ve often found myself being the person my family turns to when they need someone to talk to. I became the listener—the one who quietly carried everyone’s feelings.

Eventually, I began to realize how deeply that role shaped me. Being there for others made me recognize the importance of empathy, patience, and emotional connection. That understanding led me to join Teen Line, a teen-to-teen crisis hotline where young people can reach out for support. My experience with Teen Line has shown me how powerful it can be when teens help each other, and it’s strengthened my belief in the value of reaching out instead of bottling things up.

Living with my dad’s Parkinson’s has definitely been an emotional challenge, but it has also inspired me to make a difference. I had the idea to create a support group for teens like me—those who have a parent with Parkinson’s. I want to build a space where no one feels alone, where we can talk about our struggles openly, and where we can find comfort in knowing others truly understand.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” 

— Maya Angelou