The world of Parkinson’s is full of inspiring people. Here we highlight four women who are improving the lives of others.
We discovered a lot of wonderful people in the Parkinson’s community last year – from filmmakers to fitness leaders, podcasters to poets – and people’s dedication, creativity and resourcefulness never ceases to inspire us. Women role models in the community are particularly important, as despite there being millions of women with Parkinson’s in the world, their needs are often neglected, and their experiences frequently go unheard.
Here are four pioneering women we discovered making a real difference to the Parkinson’s community in 2023:
Mime over matter: “I aim to live life fully”
After finding out she had Parkinson’s, former teacher, mime performer and artist Barbara Salsberg Mathews began to use mime to help her overcome symptoms such as arm weakness which meant that she would spill drinks, and poor gait. And instead of focusing on her own battle with the condition, she decided to share these tricks with other people with Parkinson’s.
“When teaching, I use three techniques. I focus on fine motor skills so that people can learn how to control and isolate every part of their body, including their faces. Then, imagery is very important to help override any mental resistance. And the last technique I use is motor memory. It’s through repeating motions over and over again that the brain remembers.”
Read about Barbara Salsberg Mathews
“We opened the door for people with Parkinson’s to be seen and heard”
This year saw Parkinson’s Europe’s Lizzie Graham win a very much deserved Robin Elliott Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Parkinson Community at the World Parkinson Congress in Barcelona. One of four winners to be honoured with the award, it was a fitting tribute to Lizzie’s 34 years of tireless work to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s across Europe and beyond. A true inspiration, she has played a central role in Parkinson’s Europe’s successes and achievements.
Read more about Lizzie Graham.
“I hope this campaign will bring people with Parkinson’s together”
When Parkinson’s Africa launched ‘23 in 23’, an awareness and fundraising campaign to encourage the Parkinson’s community to take up a fundraising challenge or fun activity, its new CEO Tania Park set an inspiring example by completing 23 personal challenges to raise 10 per cent of the fundraising target.
These included climbing the Rila mountain range in Bulgaria, competing in walking football tournament the Cure Parkinson’s Cup (and being on the winning team), and climbing North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal.
“I hope the campaign will bring the global Parkinson’s community together, empower people to feel a sense of accomplishment and raise money that can be used to help Africans affected by Parkinson’s – whether it be used to provide free medication, support or care,” said Tania.
Read about Tania Park.
“The earlier you can start exercising from diagnosis, the better”
For over 21 years, Stephanie Wallis has worked in rehabilitation fitness. After witnessing the benefits exercise can give people with a health condition, she set up UK-based organisation, Stepping Stones Health and Well-being. She now helps people with Parkinson’s improve their physical and mental fitness and quality of life through exercise – all in a friendly and supportive environment.
“I had seen first-hand the benefits that exercise can have, especially for people with Parkinson’s. I wanted to provide classes that people could feel comfortable in, knowing they wouldn’t have to worry about whether they were able to do an exercise or not. I wanted to create a setting where people could meet others going through similar experiences and offer support to one another.”
Read about Stephanie Wallis
Read more:
International Women’s Day: “Everyone benefits from raising awareness”
