Meet Somesh Pathak, a Security MVP from the Netherlands, whose journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in 2020. From battling the stigma at work to finding strength in his family, Somesh’s story is one of resilience and determination. We asked him how this challenge has reshaped his journey as a professional, community leader, and father.

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

I was diagnosed with Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) back in 2020, but  early signs of hypokinetic rigid syndrome started in 2016–2017. I was living in India at the time and the doctors we’re not able to find the reason of my symptoms. I relocated to Stockholm in 2019 and underwent extensive tests at the Karolinska Hospital where I was diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

Transformation from a healthy life to a life with a hidden disability has seriously affected my personal and professional life. One of the most difficult challenges I faced professionally was the lack of support from my previous manager at a former employer. At one point, I felt ashamed of having YOPD, primarily due to my symptoms and the stigma at work. Instead of receiving the assistance I needed, I was asked to work extended hours, which only stressed the situation.

Controlling the illness has also been quite challenging. One of the most difficult things I’ve experienced is feeling a lot of guilt, mostly related to my family and my 5-year-old son. I feel like I am not giving my all as even sports or lighthearted things suddenly have become challenging. Often depressed and dissatisfied, I feel as though I do not always reciprocate 100% the efforts of others who look after me.

Socially, my self-esteem and behavior around others has been impacted, because I fear my symptoms will show up or change randomly. The symptoms are always there, influencing my voice, sleep, diet, and general physical condition. Notwithstanding these difficulties, I try to keep as much normalcy as I can by balancing work and my personal life.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your Parkinson’s journey, and how have you managed to stay motivated throughout?

The psychological and emotional toll has been among the toughest aspects of my Parkinson’s path. Though the physical suffering was difficult, the heaviest toll on me was the feeling of frustration and helplessness. Dealing with YOPD already left the left side of my body weak, and after surgery to repair my ACL, my right side became significantly affected as well. This coupled with the understanding that healing could last up to nine months often made me feel as though I was losing the battle.

The unflinching support of my family, especially that of my wife and son— kept me going through these challenging times. My wife was my rock; she shared inspirational tales of those who had surmounted much more difficult obstacles in their life, therefore motivating me to keep on. Her support  allowed me to concentrate on recovery and bounce back with full confidence. Another inspiration came from my son, reminding me of the need to be present and resilient for him.

Apart from my family, my colleagues have  played a huge role in keeping me motivated. They encouraged me to keep pushing my boundaries, both physically and mentally, and gave me the confidence to face each day with a renewed sense of determination.

Though it has not been simple, with the emotional support of my loved ones and the strength I get from their belief in me, I have been motivated through one of the toughest obstacles of my life.

What does being a Microsoft MVP and contributing to the tech community mean to you?

Being a Microsoft MVP is about more than just title or recognition; it is about a dedication to significantly contribute to the tech community in meaningful ways. Every contribution — from blogging to event speaking to helping others solve their tech challenges, each contribution is an opportunity to make a positive impact. For me, it is about sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and being part of a larger community that thrives on innovation and collaboration.

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

The community’s outpouring of support when I shared  my personal story at a monthly Nordics & Benelux MVP call was quite inspiring.

My peers’ encouragement and solidarity reminded me of the power of a strong, supporting group and helped drive me. It is this sense of belonging, coupled with the opportunity to give back, that makes being a Microsoft MVP so special to me.

Based on your personal experiences and insights, what advice would you offer to someone going through a personal, health, or professional crisis?

Life’s challenges, be they physical injuries or health conditions, test our limits. But they also reveal our strength, resilience, and capacity to adapt. Through my journey of recovery and community contribution, I have learned that while the path may be tough, the destination is worth every struggle. There will be more challenges, more hurdles to overcome, but with every step, you must grow stronger

Keep pushing the boundaries. Stay strong, stay motivated, and continue 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 refuse to give up.

To everyone out there facing their own battles, remember this: Keep pushing. Your spirit is stronger than you think. Use your challenges as a springboard to greater heights. Together, we can achieve incredible things, one step at a time.

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