(Audio Only)
In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson’s Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson’s community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connecting communities and fostering support, and learn about the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments.
They share insights on how advocacy can start from small, personal actions and expand to influence larger communities. Join us as we highlight the importance of creativity, empathy, and personal experiences in redefining what it means to be an advocate for Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
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.
