YOPN’s Living Well Starts Here

From Principal to Parkinson’s Advocate: A.C. Woolnough’s Inspiring Journey

This weeks "Living Well Starts Here" podcast features A.C. Woolnough, a retired school principal diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2015. A.C. has become an active writer, speaker, and advocate within the Parkinson's community, participating in research projects and presenting at conferences and support groups. He has authored two books titled "ON FIRE" and "STILL ON FIRE: Reflections on a Journey Through Life with Parkinson’s Disease" and made appearances on radio and television. The episode is an inspiring listen for those interested in Parkinson's Disease, advocacy, and personal journeys.

Cracking the Code of Neurodegeneration: A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Johnston

Dr. Jennifer Johnston has spent 20 years studying neurodegenerative disease, including the discovery of aggresomes and their link to neurodegeneration. She is now the Co-Founder/CEO of NysnoBio, a biotech company focused on modulating the parkin enzyme pathway for unmet medical needs in neurology and oncology. Learn more about her groundbreaking work in neurodegeneration research! #neuroscience #research #innovation #biotech #NysnoBio

Disability Insurance Nightmare: One Man’s Struggle with the system

Please note the information on this episode is in process of being fact checked.
Welcome to the YOPN podcast! In today's episode, we'll be discussing Tim Brandt's frustrating experience with long-term disability insurance. Many of us rely on insurance to protect us in the event of unforeseen circumstances, but what happens when the system fails us? Our guest today will be sharing his personal story of navigating the complexities of disability insurance and the challenges he faced along the way. 
The Young Onset Parkinson’s Network (YOPN) invites you to join them on Tuesday, March 14th to learn from disability expert T.J. Geist. Get the inside scoop on Social Security Disability and gain valuable insights on how to navigate the system. To sign up for the event, visit yopnetwork.org and click on events. 

Shaking Up Awareness: High School Students Take On Parkinson’s Disease

A group of high school students are spreading awareness about Parkinson's Disease for their HOSA project, which is a worldwide club for future health professionals. Their idea came from one of the group member's uncle who has suffered from the disease for the last 16 years. The students have been working on various activities to raise awareness, such as selling donuts and making bracelets, and will be presenting their project at the spring leadership conference on March 10th. The students have also created a website to further spread awareness and encourage others to share their stories and suggestions.
Website: https://learn-fundraise-and-tell-your-parkinsons-disease-story.square.site/about-us
Special thanks to Sadie Robitaille, Brady Benedict-Smith, Sydney Pagnozzi and Ava Pilderian

From Trauma to Triumph: Melissa’s Inspiring Story on YOPN Podcast

Hey everyone! 📢🎉 The YOPN Podcast is thrilled to introduce our next guest, Melissa Marie Livingston - you may know her as missmliv on Instagram and undeniablyhoneybee on TikTok!
At just 13, Melissa lost her mother and had to overcome so much as the "Red headed step child". Her incredible story includes beating a tough marriage, being diagnosed with YOPD, and even hitting one million views on her #parkinsonslookslikeme hashtag! 😲 We can't wait for you to hear her inspiring story!
We want to let you know that this episode includes some deep discussions about suicide and trauma, so please take care while listening. Remember, if you or anyone you know needs help, reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860, or the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth). Let's support one another! ❤️ #YOPNPodcast #MelissaMarieLivingston #MissMLiv #UndeniablyHoneybee #ParkinsonsLooksLikeMe #InspiringStory #MentalHealthAwareness

NoSilverBullett4PD: Michel Planquart and Mark Limebear become fast friends and start an international support group

Welcome to this week's episode of the "YOPN Podcast" where we explore the incredible power of human connection and the extraordinary things that can happen when people come together.
 
Today, we bring you the inspiring story of Michel Planquart and Mark Limbear. These two men met through a shared experience of living with Parkinson's disease, and their friendship sparked an idea that would change the lives of people all over the world.
 
Together, they founded the NoSilverBullett4PD support group, a community dedicated to helping those with Parkinson's disease navigate the challenges of their condition with support and understanding.
 
Join us today as we dive into the incredible story of Michel and Mark and learn how their friendship and dedication to helping others has made a profound impact on the lives of countless people. It's a story of hope, resilience, and the remarkable power of human connection.
 
 

Non runner Kamal Julka trains for 5 weeks and completes the NYC Marathon

Welcome to this week's episode of "The YOPN: Living well starts here Podcast", where we share the inspiring stories of people who have overcome incredible challenges and achieved what was thought to be impossible. Today, we bring you the incredible story of Kamal Julka.
 
Kamal Julka was diagnosed with epilepsy over 10 years ago, and just when she thought that was enough to deal with, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021 after feeling a tremor in her hand. The progression of the disease came on quickly, causing her to stumble and fall after just 10 feet.
 
But Kamal refused to let her illness define her. Instead, she turned to running and set her sights on the ultimate challenge - the NYC Marathon. With unwavering determination and an unbreakable spirit, Kamal trained hard and pushed herself to the limit to achieve what seemed impossible.
 
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Kamal Julka and learn how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to become a true inspiration to us all.

Koren Snow takes on Parkinson’s through exercise and attitude

Hello and welcome to today's podcast! Today, we have the privilege of introducing you to an incredible individual who embodies resilience, determination, and inspiration. Despite facing the challenges of Parkinson's disease, she has continued to shine and uplift those around her with her infectious personality.
 
Koren Snow is that person who, no matter the situation, finds a way to come out of it stronger and more inspiring than ever before. Her unwavering spirit and positive attitude have touched the hearts of many and served as a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling with their own challenges.
 
Throughout her journey, Koren has shown that nothing can dim her light or dampen her spirit. She has become an advocate for those living with Parkinson's and a source of encouragement for anyone who may be facing adversity in their lives.
 
So sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired as we delve into the life and experiences of the amazing Koren Snow.

Kat and Ken Hill sell everything to travel the country in an airstream

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's episode of our podcast. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Kat Hill, a Davis Phinney Foundation YOPD Council Leader, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in her mid-40s. Kat's journey with Parkinson's began three years ago when she stopped working due to her diagnosis. It took her a good two to three months to come to terms with the reality of the situation, but then she realized she had a choice. She could either lay around and minimize her symptoms or take control of her life. And self-pity wasn't really a good fit for her.
 
To help them navigate this "new normal," Kat and her husband Ken started a Young Onset Parkinson's social group and are actively building a support network of Young Onset Parkinson's care partners. Ken, who is joining us today, is here to share his experiences as a care partner and how they are resizing their current lifestyle and future expectations. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of living with Parkinson's disease
 
Looking to join the Young Onset Parkinson's Network? go to https://yopnetwork.org/ to sign up for free!

Mountain Climber trainer Molly Cupka (Donelan) discusses the benefits of indoor Mountain Climbing for Parkinson’s

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