By: Alex Barnhart
On Oct. 10, 2025, volunteers and advocates at Mayo Clinic’s Hilton Hotel spread the red carpet for a showing of a Parkinson’s disease awareness documentary. The illness is believed to affect more than 1 million people in the U.S. Officials say about 10,000 to 25,000 of those affected are in Jacksonville, Florida.
The film, titled On Firm Ground, was directed and produced by Justin Jay Jones of Weekenders Media. It follows the life and struggles of two people with Parkinson’s, Sabrina Molina and Greg Ritscher.
Molina lives in Jacksonville. Her Parkinson’s diagnosis came soon after a marathon training run—she had been very athletic and active before Parkinson’s. In fact, she considered running to be a part of her identity. So, when the cramping and sharp pains began in her toe and legs, Molina was heartbroken.
As the film discusses, Molina was determined to cling to her sport and she still runs as much as her chronic pain will allow her. She had a whole table at the red-carpet event dedicated to showcasing medals all from after her Parkinson’s diagnosis, inspiring all who passed by the display.
“It’s living, but it’s just very, very different,” Molina said, her voice trailing off, resigned to the reality of her condition, but still bravely facing each new day, despite the challenges they bring.
Ritscher also struggles with debilitating pain, but he makes it his goal to find meaning amid his suffering.
He said, “Personally, I think it’s one of the missions of my life to help medical science find a cure for Parkinson’s, or at least a way for the average person to live through this disease, because I wouldn’t wish Parkinson’s on anybody.”
Jones was inspired by Molina and Ritscher’s stories, aspiring to bring awareness of Parkinson’s and the pain it inflicts on so many.
“There are real people that have this disease, and it’s not easy for them, and they’re going through it in real time,” Jones said.
Another Northeast Florida resident, Trudi MacMillan, has experienced her share of heartache because of Parkinson’s. Her father, Wayne, was diagnosed in 2022, and she’s stepped into the role of caregiver, practically living at his residence. She schedules his appointments, organizes his medications, and so much more. For a time, she was working full time and caring for her father full time simultaneously. It’s been difficult but rewarding for her.
She says, “his smile just makes everything worth it.”
Living with Parkinson’s is challenging, but it is possible.
Residents can find local resources at Jax Hope Inc.