Welcome to the YOPN Podcast. Our guest today is Esther Labib-Kiyarash, a Certified Professional of Healthcare Quality with extensive experience in both hospital and ambulatory quality management. Esther’s specialties encompass regulatory compliance, all facets of Quality Improvement, Lean methodology, and Continuous Survey Readiness. Additionally, she brings her expertise in Patient Safety and Patient Advocacy to the table. It’s important to note that Esther also faces the unique challenge of living with Parkinson’s disease.
Remarkably, Esther chose to retire in September 2023, at the age of 48, to devote her time and energy to patient advocacy. In this first part of our two-part series, we will delve into Esther’s personal journey. Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2, where Esther will share insights on patient advocacy and the importance of coming together to advocate for the rights of individuals living with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
Get ready for an insightful and inspiring conversation. Enjoy the show!
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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