In the thirteenth in our series profiling the bloggers supporting the World Parkinson Congress 2019, we talk to Joe Lacy. The Irish blogger, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s four years ago, discusses why “exercise is key” to dealing with the condition – and how he’s helping others cope with their diagnoses
Describe yourself in a sentence.
I’m a roaming Irishman who makes the best out of every place and situation I find myself in.
Do you have a particular audience in mind when you’re writing?
I set out to blog to share my thoughts in a photo journalistic way with family, friends and a wider audience, but it’s developed into focusing on how I’m dealing with Parkinson’s. I now share it more with newly diagnosed patients to encourage them to exercise.
Is there an aspect of Parkinson’s that you’re most passionate about?
When I was first diagnosed the doctor said to keep active and I’ve taken that on, big time. For me, exercise is key to fighting Parkinson’s.
How widely read is your blog and in which countries?
I’ve had a good spread globally, but western Europe and the US are the main hits. My blog views are sporadic, and I’ve been on lapse recently due to a house and country move.
Have you been surprised by the level of interest you’ve attracted?
When I wrote my blog post ‘Dealing with Diagnosis’, I was shocked to see all the hits on Facebook and delighted to receive so many comments on how it had encouraged others.
Which of your posts has attracted the most interest from your readers?
My experience running three marathons since diagnosis has received the most attention.
Which has been the most controversial?
I don’t think I’ve written anything controversial. However, sometimes people are surprised at how open I am to discussing my Parkinson’s. I still come across people who are keeping their condition hidden due to what they perceive as stigma.
Talk us through your routine: when do you find time to blog?
I’ve been very poor at blogging lately due to a major home move, but usually I have a seed of an idea and I develop it in my mind first, then onto paper and finally into a blog post. I don’t set aside a particular time to blog – it’s more of a continuous, ongoing process.