Manalapan Man and Doctor Daughter Battle Parkinson's Together

Gasper Giordano relies on his daughter, Dr. Jill Farmer, a movement disorder specialist, to manage his Parkinson's symptoms.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Gasper Giordano, a 79-year-old Manalapan resident, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after experiencing balance issues and falls. Fortunately, Giordano's daughter, Dr. Jill Farmer, is a movement disorder specialist who treats Parkinson's patients. For the past three years, Giordano has been working closely with his daughter to manage his symptoms, which include tremors and balance problems. Despite the challenges, Giordano remains active, attending daily mass and walking regularly at the mall.

Why it matters

This story highlights the unique situation of a Parkinson's patient being able to receive specialized care from a family member who is a medical expert in the field. It also sheds light on the psychological and social challenges that Parkinson's patients can face, such as feeling self-conscious about their symptoms and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.

The details

Gasper Giordano, a former auto mechanic, started experiencing balance issues and falls, which were early signs of Parkinson's disease. His daughter, Dr. Jill Farmer, a movement disorder specialist, offered to provide referrals, but Giordano insisted that she treat him directly. Over the past three years, Farmer has been working closely with her father to manage his symptoms, which include tremors and balance problems. Giordano attends daily mass and walks up to three miles regularly at the Freehold Raceway Mall, but he sometimes struggles with the psychological aspect of his condition, feeling self-conscious about his tremors.

  • Giordano started experiencing balance issues and falls around the same time in 2023.
  • Giordano has been working closely with his daughter, Dr. Jill Farmer, for the past three years to manage his Parkinson's symptoms.

The players

Gasper Giordano

A 79-year-old Manalapan resident who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and is working closely with his daughter, Dr. Jill Farmer, to manage his symptoms.

Dr. Jill Farmer

Gasper Giordano's daughter, a movement disorder specialist who treats Parkinson's patients and is providing direct care to her father.

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What they’re saying

“He said, 'No, you can do it,'”

— Dr. Jill Farmer, movement disorder specialist (app.com)

“Now that I see what she does up close, I can't believe she's my daughter. I'm fortunate that she can help me.”

— Gasper Giordano (app.com)

“Lots of people are embarrassed or feel that there's a stigma. Sometimes that's an added stress that isn't necessary — if you're trying to camouflage it, trying to hide it, that can make your symptoms more pronounced because you're concentrating on it.”

— Dr. Jill Farmer, movement disorder specialist (app.com)

What’s next

Researchers are currently working on new treatments for Parkinson's disease that could either stop the progression of the disease or improve symptoms by addressing the underlying dopamine deficiency. These breakthroughs are expected to be available in the coming years, not decades.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of open communication and a positive attitude when dealing with Parkinson's disease. By working closely with his daughter, a medical expert in the field, Gasper Giordano is able to manage his symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle, demonstrating that Parkinson's does not have to be a debilitating condition.