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Climbing the Heights: Ian O’Brien’s Parkinson’s Journey of Triumph

  1. Climbing the Heights: Ian O’Brien’s Parkinson’s Journey of Triumph YOPN 52:41

This week on the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network podcast (YOPN PODCAST)

Meet Ian O’Brien, a determined 43-year-old father who refuses to let Parkinson’s Disease hinder his enjoyment of life. Ian is an unwavering advocate of pushing his limits and embracing challenges. His latest endeavor? Conquering the highest peaks in all 28 countries of the EU27 and the UK within a span of just 28 days. It’s June 2023, and you can follow Ian’s extraordinary journey at www.eurupian.com.

My name is Michael Quaglia, and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 42 in October 2006. For the next eight years, I worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder, hoping to accumulate enough wealth before the symptoms of the disease forced me into early retirement. Looking back, I wish I had made different choices.

In 2014, I stumbled upon two articles that changed the course of my life. The first was a study by the Cleveland Clinic, which found that "forced exercise" could significantly improve Parkinson's symptoms. The second was a video made by a small non-profit organization called Rock Steady Boxing, which demonstrated the benefits of non-contact boxing for people with Parkinson's.

Inspired by the potential benefits of exercise and boxing for Parkinson's patients, I dedicated my life to helping others and myself fight back against the symptoms of the disease. As a result, I have become an advocate for people with Parkinson's and an active member of the Parkinson's community.

To help get the word out in 2016 I started a Podcast "2 Mikes" with a friend Mike Achin. Seven years later we're sponsored by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network, we have numerous cohosts and our content resonates with the PD community.

Before my diagnosis, I worked as a Sales Manager for Engineering staffing agencies, but my journey with Parkinson's has led me down a different path, one in which I find fulfillment and purpose in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

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