Welcome back to the YOPN podcast! Sponsored by the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network (YOPNetwork.org), and radioparkies.com. This episode features Molly Cupka (Donelan), who’s passionate about rock climbing and how it can help people living with Parkinson’s disease. Molly’s movement, Upend Parkinson’s (https://www.upendparkinsons.com/), focuses on funding research, educating the climbing community, and promoting simple adaptations for everyday living that can slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Don’t miss this episode! You can also catch up on our past podcast episodes at https://yopn.podbean.com/. And remember to join the YOPN community at Yopnetwork.org. It’s going to be an inspiring episode of #UpendParkinsons
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.
