An interview with Tracy White on Advocacy & Young Onset Parkinson’s on February 9, 2024 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s in July 2015 at the age of 43 although my symptoms started 2 years previous just after the birth of my son. I noticed my right side wasn’t working but my son, Sebastian was born with a tumor on his liver and required lifesaving surgery, so my health waited until April 2014. After the doctors first thought I had suffered a stroke I was eventually diagnosed with YOPD in July 2015, a month before my dad was diagnosed with secondary melanoma in his lungs, so, I really didn’t have time to think about my diagnosis as I needed to be there for my dad and help my mum.
I lost my dad March 2017, he was 69 yrs old. It wasn’t until after my dad’s death I turned for support on Facebook and from there I became part of this huge Parkinson’s community making so many amazing friends.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I started using TikTok in 2020 (at the start of the covid pandemic) and thought it would be a great way to raise awareness. I have just over 36,000 followers, over 700,000 likes and my #TracyWhite has 2.5 million views. I dance with my family, share my bad days but generally I try and share “I’m living the best life I can with Parkinson’s”.
I also have started a facebook group with a good friend, Johnny Parky. It’s called Par-FUN-kinsons this is a group to help keep our brains active, we post daily games and go live with quizzes.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is my family as they are the ones that have given me purpose to live the best life I can with young onset Parkinson’s, they are the reason why I will never give in and to raise as much awareness as I can. YOPD needs more awareness as so many people do not understand the condition. Do I hope for a cure? Yes of course, but realistically I doubt it’s going to happen my lifetime, but never say never!
What events do you participate in?
I have participated in the Sports Parkinson’s TRY ATHLON and Sports Parkinson’s Walking football. Johnny and I are currently getting a Par-FUN-kinsons team together for April. Also, every year I invite my dear friends that I met through Parkinson’s events/ Facebook to our farm in Lincolnshire.
How can someone get in touch?
Anyone wishing to get in touch can reach me through Facebook messenger Tracy White or through TikTok TracyWhite41 or if you or a family member would like to join our facebook group, just type in Par-FUN-Kinsons in the search bar!
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
There are many ways you can create awareness, raise money etc. I think it’s an individual choice how you wish to raise awareness. I Chose to do it through social media and reach out to many people worldwide. My message of Living the best life I can with Parkinson’s has been received warmly and inspired many to dance, smile and not give up.