Unwavering Optimism: A Life of Service in the Face of Parkinson’s

In this special Power Over Parkinson’s interview, we sit down with Gary Griffiths—a U.S. military veteran, former firefighter, and a dedicated voice in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. Gary shares his powerful story of a life spent in service, from protecting his country to protecting his community, and now advocating for those living with Parkinson’s. Gary opens up about, his decades of work in the military and fire service, his Parkinson’s diagnosis and the challenges that followed, how he transformed adversity into positive purpose, and his ongoing advocacy, awareness efforts, and support for our mission at Power Over Parkinson’s His story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering positivity and commitment to helping others.Support the show

In our latest installment of POP Profiles, Power Over Parkinson’s President, Margaret Preston, sat down with Dr. George Ackerman, founder of Together for Sharon, a grassroots Parkinson’s awareness initiative dedicated to honoring his late mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman. The conversation explored Dr. Ackerman’s deeply personal journey—from his mother’s Parkinson’s diagnosis to his mission to educate, connect, and empower families affected by the disease. He shared insights into how Together for Sharon uses storytelling and community outreach to amplify voices within the Parkinson’s community, while also advocating for greater research support and public understanding of the disease. Throughout the interview, themes of hope, advocacy, and connection emerged. Dr. Ackerman emphasized the importance of uniting organizations like Power Over Parkinson’s and Together for Sharon to strengthen awareness efforts and improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s.This inspiring conversation serves as a reminder that through shared stories and collaboration, we can continue to build a stronger, more supportive Parkinson’s community.Support the show

Dr. Annie Killoran, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry and the University of Iowa, joins us as we discuss why understanding Parkinson’s Disease stages is helpful for both clinicians and patients. We cover how staging the disease can better help in identifying and delivering targeted therapies as well as how it can aide in the acceptance of the disease and its many and varied characteristics. Dr. Killoran also takes us through general treatment options, touches on current research, and stresses why exercise is a critical component of disease management. This discussion offers a terrific overview of an array of important Parkinson’s topics.Support the show

Dr. Rachel Dolhun, Chief Medical Advisor of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, joins us as we breakdown an array of Parkinson’s topics including exercise, disease management and therapeutics, and current research and development. She offers simple strategies and clear takeaways that will equip viewers with an actionable plan as they work with their own neurologists in managing PD. Support the show

Dr. Sule Tinaz, Associate Professor of Neurology at the Yale School of Medicine in the Movement Disorders Division and Clinical Neurosciences Imaging Center, joins us to talk, you guessed it, exercise! We can never hear too much information and advocacy on exercise. Why? Because it’s the only known intervention that is known to alleviate the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Dr. Tinaz’s research is focused on developing personalized therapies that people can use to cope with their symptoms. She believes we are not passive receivers of our experiences but active agents, as we can actively impact how this disease progresses, particularly through exercise. Support the show

Allie Signorelli, Parkinson’s Advocate and person with young onset Parkinson’s (YOPD), shares her journey to diagnosis and how she’s positively impacting the Parkinson’s community at a national level. Allie is lending her voice through advocacy and harnessing her career experience, particularly in fundraising and event management, to serve our community and aid in research that’s related to both therapeutics as well as the cure that we are all hoping for! Allie is an inspiration to us all and our community is lucky to have her finding her “silver linings” as someone with YOPD. Support the show

Listen as Kristine Meldrum, Author and Founder & President of Parkinson’s Place Iowa, shares her expertise on all things Parkinson’s and exercise. Having paved the way for coaching Parkinson’s patients through evidence-based exercise programs, Kristine is in a league of her own when it comes to understanding precisely how those with the disease should exercise. Having recently published, Parkinson’s: How to Reduce the Symptoms through Exercise,  Kristine proclaims that people with PD “are athletes now” and need to view themselves as such. In her book, she lays out a thorough plan for people to follow as they create their own exercise regimen and, in this interview, she not only shares her candid insight but also the concrete research behind her specific recommendations. Kristine Meldrum is the author of Parkinson’s: How to Reduce Symptoms Through Exercise. She is an exercise professional working with Parkinson’s and other neurological clients. She is the founder and president of Parkinson’s Place, Iowa, and writes and speaks nationally at Parkinson’s Conferences with a presentation titled Parkinson’s: How to Exercise to Reduce Symptoms. Kristine has spent fifteen years in the fitness industry and worked a decade in the medical fitness industry before starting a Neuro Wellness Program in 2020. Kristine engages one-on-one with clients and teaches neuro-classes at Grand Living in West Des Moines, Iowa. She also consults with organizations to help start neuro-wellness programs. Contact her for speaking engagements, consulting and book sales at [email protected]. More information about the book can be found at parkinsonsbook.com. Support the show

Dr. Erin Presant, board-certified neurologist and certified culinary medical specialist, shares tangible insight on what it means to use food as medicine and how people with Parkinson’s should be employing this concept. She also dispels common misconceptions associated with our diet culture and how “getting back to basics” should be the thread that runs through our culinary choices. Support the show

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Catherine Crenshaw, Neuropsychologist and the Director of the Perioperative Cognitive Anesthesia Network (PeCAN) at the University of Florida, for another targeted discussion related to Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Crenshaw conducts imperative work as it relates to cognitive changes for older adults who have elected surgery with anesthesia. Listen as Dr. Crenshaw clearly describes the gaps in care and ultimately a clear plan for including the brain as a vital organ pre and post surgery by utilizing cognitive assessments to ensure the best surgical outcomes and ultimately mitigate cognitive impairments following surgery. Support the show

Feeling so lucky to have had the chance to share our Power Over Parkinson's mission on NBC12 About Town Today with Candice Smith!Support the show