An interview with Liz Campbell Holroyd on Community Advocacy on October 19, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
My first motor symptom was a slight tremor in my ring finger on my right hand in February of 2010. I was officially diagnosed in September of 2010 with PD at age 52. I was busy with a career in advertising and a wife, mom and grandmother. I continued to work until December of 2013. With the support of my family, doctors & social worker I made the decision to go on disability. I was finding it impossible to keep up with the stress & pressure of working due to poor sleep, significant fatigue and a reduced ability to multitask. It was a hard decision but turned out that taking care of my health by reducing stress and increasing exercise was a good call. I am currently 65 and while I have progressed, my progression is slower than most. I attribute this to my lifestyle choices and of course things they are not sure of with my particular PD.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
I started a local Parkinson’s Superwalk in the community of White Rock each September under the BC Parkinson’s Society in Vancouver, BC Canada. To date we have raised over $160,000. I, along with my husband, Scott, also sit on the board of the Pacific Parkinson Research Institute. PPRI funds clinical research studies for the Pacific Parkinson Research Center at the University of BC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health. I am regularly contacted to meet with people who have just been diagnosed with PD.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is keeping myself as healthy as possible via diet, exercise, and education about PD. I am also very passionate about helping others cope with their fears upon diagnosis.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
To work towards a cure and understand the best lifestyle tips possible.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I do not do programs myself but direct people to programs through boxing and the BC Parkinson’s Society and UBC Brain Health programs.
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Provide hope and help them cope with initial diagnosis. Motivate people to take control of their health.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
Continuing to reach more and more people and their families coping with PD.
What events do you participate in?
Parkinson Superwalk, Porridge for Parkinson’s, and other fundraisers via PPRI, Annual Scientific review for PPRI & PPRC
How does your advocacy also assist caregivers?
Caregivers come hand in hand when someone is diagnosed with PD.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Getting involved via their local Parkinson community.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Put your health first.