Patients with young-onset Parkinson's climb Mount Kilimanjaro

InvestigateTV+ examines young-onset Parkinson's and the inspiring journey of two patients who conquered a daunting climb

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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InvestigateTV+ explores young-onset Parkinson's disease, including how symptoms differ from older patients. The report shares the inspiring story of two patients, Nathan Willis and Tasha Kane, who were diagnosed in their 30s and set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro despite their condition.

Why it matters

Young-onset Parkinson's, defined as a diagnosis before age 50, presents unique challenges compared to the more common late-onset form of the disease. The story of Willis and Kane overcoming these obstacles to achieve a major physical feat highlights the resilience and determination of those living with young-onset Parkinson's.

The details

Willis and Kane, who met through a Parkinson's support group, described symptoms like hand tremors, foot dragging, and balance issues that made daily tasks and filmmaking difficult for Willis. Despite these challenges, they trained and set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, in a remarkable display of perseverance.

  • Nathan Willis and Tasha Kane were diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's in their 30s.
  • Last year, they set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

The players

Nathan Willis

A filmmaker diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's in his 30s, who experienced symptoms like hand tremors and balance issues that made daily tasks challenging.

Tasha Kane

A patient diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's in her 30s, who met Nathan Willis through a Parkinson's support group and joined him in the climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Team Fox NOLA

A support group under the Michael J. Fox Foundation that Willis and Kane were involved with.

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What they’re saying

“My hand shakes, which is hard because I'm a filmmaker and so holding the camera is getting harder, and I know it's gonna just keep getting more and more challenging. My foot drags, my balance is off.”

— Nathan Willis (InvestigateTV)

The takeaway

The inspiring story of Nathan Willis and Tasha Kane, two young Parkinson's patients who defied their diagnosis to conquer the daunting challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, highlights the resilience and determination of those living with young-onset Parkinson's disease.