Webinar Series: Living with Parkinson’s Meetup

The Third Thursday of Every Month
1 – 2 pm Mountain Daylight Time
(12 pm PDT, 2 pm CDT, 3 pm EDT)

Parkinson’s is like a modern car. One little glitch in the hardware and all hell breaks loose. During our monthly Living with Parkinson’s Meetups, we talk about all the things that break loose, go wrong, make you laugh, make you cry, go right, go weird, and everything in between. It’s the hour of truth you never knew you needed. Join our panel each month to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Parkinson’s but were afraid to ask.

Past Webinar Recordings

Love and Relationships

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Our February Living with Parkinson’s Meetup was scheduled for the day after Valentine’s Day, so naturally, the topic was love. The panel has tackled this topic before, but this time, they approached it in a new way.

Clinical Trials

Thursday, January 18, 2024

During this session, the panelists discussed clinical trial participation and personal experiments they’ve undertaken to help themselves live well with Parkinson’s.

Holiday and Year-End Stresses

Thursday, December 21, 2023

This meetup wasn’t originally on our calendar, but the end of the year can be a lonely and challenging time. As such, the panelists decided they wanted to spend time with one another and the members of the viewing community. During the meetup, the panelists discussed challenges related to the end-of-year holidays, their hopes for 2024, and more.

Q&A

Thursday, November 16, 2023

The Living with Parkinson’s Meetup panelists receive questions each month that they just don’t have enough time to answer during the hour in which the meetups are held. For November, they worked through some of the questions to which they had not yet responded.

Ongoing Challenges of Living Well with Parkinson’s

Thursday, October 19, 2023

In this month’s meetup, inspired by an audience member’s question, the panelists discussed the ongoing and evolving challenges they face as they live with Parkinson’s. As always, this panel doesn’t hold back, and we’re so fortunate to have them tell the hard truth and share their journeys with all of us.

Disability and Changes of Ability in Parkinson’s

Thursday, September 21, 2023

This month, the Living with Parkinson’s Meetup panelists discussed how Parkinson’s has changed their abilities, getting disability benefits, and how they have approached these changes.   

This topic is extensive, and the panelists discussed many issues, including driving, stigmatization, leaving work, applying for disability benefits in the US, and global health disparities.

Vulnerability

Thursday, August 17, 2023

The panelists discussed moments when they were physically, emotionally, or socially vulnerable because of Parkinson’s. The panelists also discussed ways these vulnerabilities have sparked changes in their lives.

Relationships

Thursday, July 20, 2023

During our July Living with Parkinson’s Meetup, panelists discussed how their relationships have changed since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. As always, our panelists speak with honesty and emotion and make everyone affected by Parkinson’s feel less alone.

Fear and Shame: Part 2

Thursday, June 15, 2023

During this month’s meetup, the panelists talked about shame and Parkinson’s, including a discussion of the differences between shame, guilt, and embarrassment.

Fear and Shame: Part 1

Thursday, May 18, 2023

In this month’s Living With Parkinson’s Meetup, we hosted the first of two sessions on fear and shame. Panel members discussed fears they had when they were diagnosed that didn’t come to pass, fears they had when they were diagnosed that did come to pass, and fears they currently have that they’re working through. They also offered some thoughts about how to navigate fears.

Q and A

Thursday, April 20, 2023

During this month’s meetup, we discussed recent biomarker news, navigating medical procedures with Parkinson’s, how to respond when people say the “wrong” thing to you about Parkinson’s, and tips for dealing with speech issues, brain fog, and episodes of freezing.

What I Wish I Knew Then

Thursday, March 16, 2023

During this session, panelists discussed what they wished they’d known when they were first diagnosed with Parkinson’s and the advice they’d like to share with others.

Love and Relationships

Thursday, February 16, 2023

During this session, we discussed love, relationships, and care partners, whether they be spouses, kids, friends, neighbors, etc. Watch the recording below and scroll down for our show notes and resources.

Finding Hope and Inspiration

Thursday, January 19, 2023

We started the session off with our typical lively conversation which included the introduction of guest panelist Sarah Zenner, quotes from Doug Reid, and Heather’s rapping, then moving into a conversation about finding hope and optimism despite the difficulties of Parkinson’s.

Gait, Balance, and Falling in Parkinson’s

Thursday, November 17, 2022

We had our typical lively discussion, received some great advice from our panelists and our viewers, and learned how to face the fears that falling causes. Unfortunately, this is our last meetup of the year, but we look forward to seeing you in January of 2023!

Parkinson’s is Hard

Thursday, October 20, 2022

In this Living with Parkinson’s Meetup, panelists discuss symptom limitations, nutrition, depression, apathy, and isolation.

Ableism, Enableism, and Audience Q & A

Thursday, September 15, 2022

In this Living with Parkinson’s Meetup, panelists discuss ableism and enableism, that is feeling capable and “able” to continue living as independently as possible, but also accepting and asking for help when it is needed. Other topics include, how to get past the fear of letting your symptoms show, dealing with anger and sadness when you’re unable to do something, and more.

Audience Q & A

Thursday, August 18, 2022

In this Living with Parkinson’s Meetup, panelists discuss questions from the live webinar audience addressing topics including: difficulties managing body temperature in hot weather, falling and balance issues, the impact of stress on their symptoms, the loss of friendships after diagnosis, handling the constant question “how are you?” from friends and family, and much more.

The Value of Community, Purpose, and Meaning

Thursday, July 21, 2022

In this webinar, guest panelist, Bradley McDaniels, and Living with Parkinson’s panel members discuss the negative health effects of loneliness and how to build community, purpose, and meaning.

Communicating About Parkinson’s

Thursday, June 16, 2022

In this webinar, The YOPD Council discussed communicating about Parkinson’s with your loved ones, your healthcare providers, and more. 

Reaching Your Limit

Thursday, May 19, 2022

In this webinar, The YOPD Council discussed how to know when you’re reaching your limit and discussed things such as driving, work, exercise, executive function, and more.

Downsizing Your Life with YOPD

Thursday, April 21, 2022

In this webinar, The YOPD Council discussed downsizing, both mentally and physically.

Traveling with Parkinson’s

Thursday, March 22, 2022

In this webinar, The YOPD Council discuss their tips and tricks for traveling more easily with Parkinson’s, while also addressing the question: is travel still right for me?

What Not to Say to a Person with Parkinson’s

Thursday, February 24, 2022

In this YOPD Council session, our panelists discuss some of these moments in their life as well as what you can do to educate, advocate, and improve understanding.

Living with Parkinson’s Meetup Council LEADERS

Kat Hill headshot
Kat Hill

Kat is from Portland, Oregon, where she lives with her husband and Yorkshire terrier “Baxter.” She believes that we can choose joy in our lives no matter what we’re faced with. Movement, mindfulness, and gratitude help her navigate the challenges of living with Parkinson’s. She is a retired nurse-midwife and delivered over 800 babies in her career. Now in her second act, she’s a Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador, author, speaker, and advocate for living well with Parkinson’s.

Heather Kennedy headshot
Heather Kennedy

Heather is the founder of Kathleen Kiddo, an advocacy site offering resources and connection through social media. An entertaining speaker known for her unique talks and film presentations about living well with Parkinson’s, Heather writes from her home near San Francisco, CA. Since her diagnosis in 2011, she has collaborated with organizations such as the Davis Phinney Foundation, The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, and The World Parkinson’s Congress. In 2020, Heather expects to release two books, one on how to approach grief and a vivid collection of short stories.

Kevin Kwok headshot
Kevin Kwok

Kevin brings deep experience as a biopharmaceutical executive to the board of directors of the Davis Phinney Foundation and the Parkinson’s community. Today, he is the Head of Patient Engagement at Theravance Biopharma in the Bay Area and just recently set new roots in Boulder, Colorado. Previously, he was a partner at a leading executive recruiting firm, where he led the North American Life Science practice. Kevin earned his doctorate degree in clinical pharmacy from the University of Michigan (GO Blue) and his family resided in nearby Midland.

An avid lifelong wannabe athlete, Kevin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in in his late 40s. He has taken control of his Parkinson’s with bold irreverence, optimism, and biting humor. As a self-proclaimed amateur “PD satirist,” he has been a speaker and patient advocate for several foundations and has been featured on national news programs and webcasts, speaking about living a high-impact life, thanks to traditional therapies and a “zen-aggressive lifestyle.”

Robynn Moraites Headshot
Robynn Moraites

Robynn Moraites works tirelessly to destigmatize mental health conversations with lawyers. Outside of her work, she lives for a good adventure or an involved Enneagram discussion. She loves to think expansively understanding that the possibilities for tomorrow arise out of our most far-fetched ideas.

Amy Montemarano headshot
Tom Palizzi

Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008 at age 48. While balancing his professional and personal life with the onset of symptoms, he sought to meet the challenges of PD head on with curiosity, practicality, and optimism. Volunteering at the local Parkinson’s support organization led him to New York and on to Washington DC, serving as Chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation, People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council (PPAC), and representing the needs and interests of the PD community to Congressional leaders.

“As an ambassador and advocate, I stay alert and active, but good health and fitness is key, and maybe as important as any medication or PD treatment,” says Tom. He leads a Pedaling for Parkinson’s class at the local recreation center near his home, and helped establish a boxing class for People with PD. With the pandemic, he offers an online version of the indoor cycling class, leading as many as 20 riders from throughout the United States.

In June 2019, he launched the Tour de Victory Cycling Classic — an organized cycling event to benefit the Davis Phinney Foundation. In its first year, the event brought in more than $70,000. He enjoys cycling, fly fishing, and traveling the world with his wife, Jeanette, and spending as much time as they can with their adult children Emily and Mitch.

Doug Reid headshot
Doug Reid

Doug was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in early 2010 at age 36. Soon after being diagnosed, Doug’s depression increased, contributing to the destruction of his marriage. Instead of reaching out for help, he isolated himself, and in doing so, his depression only worsened, and he stopped exercising.

After nine years of living in a dark hole, Doug watched one of the Foundation’s webinars on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and it convinced him to take the leap. His DBS procedures were completed in November 2019, and from a physical standpoint, the experience has been life-changing. However, shortly after Doug got DBS, Covid hit, and his depression increased again with the isolation. Finally, 18 months later, he found an antidepressant that worked. It was as if a light had suddenly turned on. So, he started exercising and attending support group meetings, and the strength he discovered in his Parkinson’s community has been exceptional!

Doug finally knows what it’s like to live well with Parkinson’s. When Doug is not helping support others, you’ll find him being social and spending time with his kids, friends, and family. He also loves exercising daily, being outside, and enjoying Colorado’s mountains!

Sree Sripathy headshot
Sree Sripathy

Sree was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) in 2015 but knew something was not working properly in her body years beforehand when she noticed non-motor symptoms in her 20s and motor symptoms in her 30s. Sree has been documenting her journey in writing and photography, slowly working within these and other mediums to create a narrative that helps her understand the many ways life has changed post-diagnosis.

Sree currently works full-time in tech, sits on the Board of Directors for a local arts nonprofit, is working on personal photography and writing projects, and squeezes in naps whenever possible due to the constant fatigue she battles with Parkinson’s. Sree became involved with the Davis Phinney Foundation not only to make a difference but also to increase representation in the South Asian community. Sree also co-founded the Women’s Parkinson’s Project, a website where she and her “two sisters with Parkinson’s”, as she likes to say, curate stories, bring awareness and representation and raise the voices of women with Parkinson’s.

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