Willie Geist’s Most Proud Day: Honoring His Father’s Quiet Battle With Parkinson’s

For over thirty years, celebrated journalist Bill Geist has quietly endured a deeply personal fight: Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed in 1992 at the age of 47, Bill chose to keep his condition hidden from the public—and even his own children—for decades. That silence ended in 2012, when he bravely revealed his diagnosis on CBS Sunday Morning. For his son, NBC’s Willie Geist, that day wasn’t just a career moment. It was, as he put it, his “most proud day.”

Bill’s decision to speak out was born not of necessity, but of purpose. Fearing the label of “the sick guy,” he had long avoided public discussion of his illness. But when he finally opened up, he transformed a private struggle into a national platform for awareness. Willie recalls that moment as a turning point—not just for his father, but for their family’s mission to help others facing Parkinson’s.

A Father’s Strength Inspires a Son’s Advocacy

Since that powerful reveal, Willie Geist has become a dedicated voice in the Parkinson’s community. Motivated by his father’s bravery, he joined the Board of Directors of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, one of the world’s leading organizations focused on finding a cure. Bill also contributes as part of the foundation’s Patient Council, helping bridge personal experience with research initiatives.

Their united efforts have helped amplify the conversation around Parkinson’s. Together, they shine a light on the day-to-day realities of living with a degenerative neurological disease that affects nearly one million Americans. Through public platforms, interviews, and community events, they’ve turned one family’s journey into a broader call to action.

Running for a Reason: Willie’s Mission in Motion

Willie’s support of the cause extends far beyond the studio or boardroom. He has run marathons—including the New York City Marathon—in support of Parkinson’s research. In 2021, he revealed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that his efforts helped raise over $500,000.

“I wrote ‘Dad’ on my arm,” Willie said, describing his personal motivation during the race. Every step was fueled by the desire to give back, to push forward for his father and the millions like him. That message—clear, direct, and personal—resonated with supporters around the world.

A Bond Forged Through Resilience

Despite Parkinson’s, Bill Geist continued his illustrious journalism career for another 25 years. He remained sharp, witty, and endlessly curious. In 2019, he published his memoir, Lake of the Ozarks, a nostalgic look at his formative years and a testament to the enduring power of memory and humor in the face of decline.

Willie credits his father for instilling in him a passion for storytelling, a tireless work ethic, and a love for life’s little details. Their shared advocacy work has only strengthened their bond—a bond that now includes a generational message, as Willie embraces fatherhood and carries forward the lessons learned from Bill.

Sharing Stories, Changing Lives

Willie uses his platform on NBC’s TODAY show to raise awareness about Parkinson’s by telling real stories—his own and those of others. In one segment, he spoke candidly with Ryan Reynolds about the actor’s father’s two-decade-long battle with the disease. These moments of public vulnerability help reduce stigma and encourage others to speak up.

Parkinson’s, he emphasizes, isn’t just a medical condition—it’s a human challenge that affects families, communities, and lives in countless ways. That’s why advocacy and open dialogue are so essential.

How to Support the Fight Against Parkinson’s

The story of Bill and Willie Geist serves as a reminder that no one is truly alone in their battle. Whether through donations, awareness campaigns, or volunteering, anyone can contribute to the fight against Parkinson’s.

Organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation provide resources, fund critical research, and support patients and their loved ones. Events like marathons, walks, and benefit concerts also offer meaningful ways to get involved.

Even small acts—like sharing stories, wearing a pin, or posting on social media—can make a difference.

A Legacy of Courage and Compassion

Willie Geist often returns to that pivotal day in 2012 when his father finally said aloud what he had hidden for years. It wasn’t a headline moment—it was a heart moment. And it changed everything.

In speaking out, Bill Geist not only helped destigmatize Parkinson’s—he gave his son a mission. Together, they’ve transformed quiet suffering into purposeful action. Their journey is far from over, but every step forward brings them—and others—closer to hope.

In a world that often values noise, the Geists remind us that quiet strength can echo the loudest.

If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, know that you are not alone. Reach out, speak up, and consider joining the fight—for research, for advocacy, and for a future without this disease.