An interview with Amy Bridge, Qui Ose Vivra Daring to Live, Thrive and Hope with Parkinson’s Disease on June 6, 2024.
Biography
Amy Bridge is a communications and marketing professional who has transitioned, after 30 years in the architecture world into the world of Parkinson’s Awareness and Advocacy for a Cure. After developing relationships with a group of seasoned sailors in France, she became the US rep for Neptune Win With Parkinsons (Gagner Avec Parkinsons: The Neptune Project), a group formed in France to enable Bertrand Delhom to fulfill a lifelong dream of sailing around the world. Life was interrupted with his PD diagnosis, but through the support of many, and Dr. Tanneguy Raffray, his dream has been realized and he seeks to provide hope to others feeling defined and debilitated physically and mentally by PD. I am a sailor, in California and Neptune’s agent in the US. Neptune will sail again in 2027, with someone from a different country with Parkinson’s on each leg of the Ocean Globe Race.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I grew up on the East Coast and moved to California in 1987. I am an active person, married with three dogs, living in Northern California near the ocean. I walk, hike and sail. My husband is a cyclist. He has retired and I recently transitioned into non-profit work after being moved by people I met on a vacation in Brittany, France. It helped me to determine what I wanted to do and felt passionate about as I faced retirement from my lifelong career. It is rewarding and I am committed to providing hope and opportunity for people with Parkinson’s. I hope for a cure in my lifetime. Everyone I know is touched by this disease in some way, the deeper I get into this mission I have put myself on.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
The Neptune Project is a sailing related experience designed to give people of different disabilities, specifically PD a chance to feel the exhilaration of being out on the water, to see wildlife and nature and feel hope and perhaps develop better self-confidence and sense of self in spite of affliction. The goal is for some to sail on her, some to race.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I have been fortunate with my health, in spite of some bumps in the road and I am grateful. When I met Tann and Bertrand, my fate was sealed. Even though I did not know where it was going, I followed the path and it has evolved into my life’s passion.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
To recapture a sense of self
To feel more confident with their body and control of it. To feel stronger (relative)
To share with others, to provide hope.
To let people know they are not alone and that they do not need to hide their PD as it does not need to define them.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Much stronger sense of self.
Being part of a team.
Confidence, and sense of purpose.
Stronger. Better health, mentally and physically.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
On the water therapy for people of all ages, from all over the world with neuro degenerative disease, such as PD. To be associated with the MJF Foundation here in the US.
What events do you participate in?
When invited, MF Fox Foundation events.
Ocean Globe prep and follow up. This is big and time-consuming.
Provide support for my friend with PD.
Any that come to my attention re Parkinsons awareness.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
It’s a goal, especially for a racer. There is a sense of purpose every day and a sense of optimism and direction. This is uplifting for all involved. This changed the life of my friend, Bertrand’s entire family. Especially, his wife. Everyone is happier, healthier. Bertrand no longer takes depression medication.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Neptunewinwith Parkinsons@gmail.com
The website is currently a bit limited but informative. Neptune Gagner Avec Parkinsons on Facebook. Much is in French, and I can help with that.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
SHARE! We need our collective web to grow and to make change. I have a friend who has PD and he is reluctant to tell anyone, which is both sad and depressing as he is isolated because of fear, and confusion.
Which resources do you find most informative and helpful?
There are scammers out there and it’s bad enough to deal with the diagnosis. To have to determine what is there for you in your interest is work.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Communication. Outreach. Sharing of information and getting rid of fear of sharing personal information. Each case is different.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Collaborate, rather than splinter. It makes it easier for participation and contribution.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
It is known that exercise slows progression. Programs that are individualized, depending upon age and symptoms exist.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
It can hit anyone, or family and friends. It’s a horrible disease and while much research is going on, we do not have a cure. It destroys lives.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, my aunt and others
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life which song would it be?
Wow, that’s a tough one. Maybe, In My Life by the Beatles.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Jack London:
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.