An interview with Rose Donaldson from PD Mums Musings on July 2, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
My name is Rose Donaldson. I’m a 57-year-old married mother of 3 boys, Alex 23, Scott and Chris (twins) 20. We moved from London, UK to Scotland (after 28 years) four years ago. I was born in Ireland.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
While working as Longhaul Cabin crew with BA, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016. So, after 25 years I took voluntary redundancy and concentrated on my health.
It was during Lockdown/covid that I craved an outlet and wanted to use my voice and brain that led me to Robert Cochrane, a Ph.D. student, and his desire to use improvisation techniques to help PWP. His dad lives with PD. As his first cohorts we joined together over Zoom on a course called Day One: Superheroes, while Robert was developing this tool for his thesis. Writing, discussing and improving with pwp from the UK and USA certainly wet my appetite to reach out.
Can you tell me more about PD Mums Musings?
This is when I started my podcast, Parkinson: PD Mums Musings. It’s been 2 years, 28 episodes. What started out as something for me during the pandemic has turned into a tool to help other pwp and enlighten those without.
Now I take part in an exercise group on Zoom led by neurophysios three days a week. Having never consistently done high intensity exercises, Anna and Laura from helloneuroheroes@gmail.com put us through our paces. It’s on their Facebook page that I pose a 1st of the month question to try and bring people out of themselves and talk.
I joined a Dance for Parkinson’s group locally, run by a fantastic, passionate and dedicated South African, Julie Symmonds.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is communication. Joining these different groups has taught me that thousands of pwp do not know what to do or even where to look for help when dealing with Parkinson’s. I try and help where I can. Joining twitter has been a help and opened a wider pool of information.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with PD Mums Musings?
One thing we deal with while living with PD is Apathy. A lot of pwp don’t have the energy or impetus to follow through. So, getting support can be hard.
What would you like to see as a future goal for PD Mums Musings?
I hope, in the future, to make the podcast more interactive. I’ve got a speech therapist coming on and a life coach.
What events do you participate in?
I’ve taken part in NeuroheroesPD exercise videos for PDUK. Found on YouTube under NeuroheroesPD https://youtu.be/0ClnE63RsUo
I have done interviews for the Parkinson’s care and support UK.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
I think those who listen and have Parkinson’s feel they are not alone and recognize themselves.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Check out my podcast, Parkinson:PD Mums Musings, on Spotify for Podcasters: https://anchor.fm/rose-donaldson
The podcast is just me talking about subjects that arise daily.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
I always say that I would love a cure. Of course, I would but I can’t sit around waiting for it. Life is for living and I happen to be very lucky in the life I have.