WHO-TV Meteorologist Jason Parkin Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis, Joins Colleague in Health Battle

DES MOINES, Iowa — In an extraordinary turn of events, two of Iowa's most recognizable weather forecasters at the same Des Moines television station are now battling devastating neurological diseases, and both are choosing to face their challenges publicly with remarkable grace.

WHO-TV meteorologist Jason Parkin announced this week that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The revelation comes just months after his colleague, Jeriann Ritter, went public with her own diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in February.

Two Diagnoses, One Neurologist, Same Week

Parkin, 56, learned of his condition in January. In a striking coincidence, he and Ritter received their diagnoses the same week, from the same Des Moines neurologist.

While the news is undoubtedly difficult, Parkin told reporters the diagnosis came as something of a relief after years of unexplained fatigue.

“I just felt like, honestly, like a giant loser, because I would just sleep all the time. I would sleep 10, 11 hours a night. I would take naps during the day and my poor wife's raising three kids. My kids are — how come dad is always laying on the couch? It was really frustrating. And so, when I found out, I was like, ah, okay. Now I can name it. Maybe I can tame it.”

Why Parkin Kept His Diagnosis Quiet

Despite learning of his condition at the same time as Ritter, Parkin deliberately kept the news to himself. He didn't want to overshadow his colleague's battle.

“Jeriann's facing a much bigger battle, and I didn't want to take any bandwidth away from that. She needed and still needs all the love she can get.”

He added with a chuckle, “I didn't want people tuning in to see if Jason's shaking on the air.”

The good news is there are no tremors. Parkin is on several medications and exercises regularly to control symptoms. He continues to work full duties as weekend evening meteorologist at WHO, including behind-the-scenes forecasting.

Ritter's Courageous Battle

Ritter's ALS diagnosis has already impacted her ability to work. The disease has affected her speech to the point where she could no longer clearly explain the weather on air and is now on leave from the station.

She told WHO's Keith Murphy that viewers began noticing something wrong with her speech. Some even sent messages wondering if she was drunk. Eventually, she shared her diagnosis with viewers in an emotional on-air announcement.

“When my greatest joy is talking and it's becoming harder to do, it's kind of a bummer right now,” she said.

Overwhelming Support from Viewers

Parkin could have kept his diagnosis private. But when the Iowa chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association asked him to emcee an event next month, he agreed and felt the timing was right to let viewers know.

The reaction has been overwhelming. More than 1,000 people have commented on his Facebook page with messages of support.

“It's really wonderful,” he says. “The support, and in particular the prayers, are meaningful to me. Because I definitely believe in the power of that. Everybody's been so nice. It's humbling, for sure.”

Others living with Parkinson's have reached out, and Parkin has set up coffee meetings with them to discuss what lies ahead.

Finding Inspiration in Each Other

Parkin says Ritter has become a source of strength for him. Whenever he texts to check in, she responds with updates about enjoying her summer.

“She's so relentlessly positive. I use that whenever I get frustrated or start to feel down. I just think about her and course correct.”

KCCI morning anchor Eric Hanson summed up the sentiment perfectly on Facebook: “I love Parkin. I hate Parkinson's.”

Looking Ahead with Faith

For now, Parkin hopes for a slow progression of the disease. His doctor says advancements are coming soon that will help him manage it. Parkin says he's not worried.

“Part of it is faith. Part of it — it's pointless to do,” he says. “All I can do is all I can do. And beyond that, what's gonna happen is gonna happen. I pray about it and I just think it's going to be okay in the end. There's a reason why it's happening and we're seeing part of that reason now, because, you know, I'm drawing attention to it and hopefully a couple of bucks (for research).”

That response is perfectly in character for Parkin, who has long been known in Iowa media circles as a rock-solid meteorologist and a genuinely good person. Facing something frightening, he's taking a leadership role and looking for ways to help others along the way.

This column was first published by “Dave Busiek on Media” and is reprinted here through the Iowa Writers' Collaborative.