An interview with Lisa Field, Thriving with Early Onset Parkinsons on June 13, 2024.
Biography
I live in Australia and am a couple of years into my YOP diagnosis. I have had a very active life, including being an Australian Gymnast from age 11, having my own business at the age of 16 and winning Miss NSW Fundraiser in the Miss Australia Awards in 1999.
I had a very strong corporate career enjoying many years of successfully leading exceptional teams and individuals. I no longer work due to my diagnosis with the main issues being fatigue and my significant tremor being in my dominant hand.
I have turned my focus to my own you-tube channel to helps the Parkinson Community http://www.youtube.com/@positivelyParkinsons
Can you tell me more about your organization?
My YouTube channel is dedicated to people who have Parkinson’s with tips and tricks on how to achieve a good quality of life. I share my RAW and REAL journey with the hope of helping others navigate their way through the sometimes-challenging journey that Parkinson’s can be.
In a funny way, Parkinson’s has given me more than it has taken away from me. I now have a new focus in life, a new understanding of what is important, a new appreciation for the smaller things in life and a dedicated focus to the health and wellbeing of not only myself but those around me.
I believe having a positive mindset will go a long way to slowing the progression and potentially reversing the symptoms!
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Being diagnosed with YOP was quite a shock at the age of 48. I struggled to navigate through all resources available to find a simple and positive story of what my life may become especially as a younger woman. A lot that I found was tailored to older people, men and were also rather confronting which left me sad.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
I do not have people working with me however I get many people to reach out to me because of my you-tube channel with questions and support in my honesty. Not only am I helping others, but it also creates healing for my mental health and PD journey.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
In my experience people are searching for positive, raw and real resources that are short and simple and positive! I hope that my channel gives people hope and understanding that their life is not over at diagnosis, in fact it has only just begun!
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
In a perfect world, I would love every single person in the world to have access to my channel and to build a community that supports not only people with PD but their careers and loved ones as well.
What events do you participate in?
I am involved in my local YOD events as well as attending as many as I can interstate. I try to be very active on you-tube and linked in.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
My experience is carers can be forgotten about along the way and yet they play such a vital role in those with PD having a good quality of life. By explaining my journey, I hope that it creates a deeper understanding for all.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
I do not have a website however they can contact me through my you-tube channel http://www.youtube.com/@positivelyParkinsons or through linked in. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-bradbury
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
There are so many wonderful people creating awareness in so many ways and I would love to see all of us supporting all advocates more! Every post, tweet, email or conversation goes a long way.
What were your first steps after being diagnosed?
When I was first diagnosed with PD, I listened to a podcast that said “Parkinsons’ gives you more than it takes away from you”. At the time I was horrified but a couple of years in, I believe that statement to be true. I am more aware of what life is about, I look after my health more, I value family and friends more and more importantly my focus now is all about helping others.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
In my opinion, effective advocacy is about building relationships. Currently that can be in person or through socials. We need to keep supporting those who have turned their time into the key issue.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
There are so many fabulous ways to fundraise for Parkinson’s already in place. I wish though (I can only speak from Australia) that we were all connected as one. Together we achieve more!
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I focus on my health and well-being. That includes exercising every morning (a combination of cardio. Walking. resistance). I meditate and do breathing exercises daily. I drink at least 2 liters of water a day – water is Parkinson’s friend 🙂 I see a physio once a week, a counselor who specializes in PD monthly. I do not create suffering for myself by putting myself into stressful situations and I work everything around getting enough sleep! My diet has changed and now am vegan. Mostly through, I am always learning, learning, researching and learning. The advice I would give is you have to know your body and LISTEN TO IT! As rest is giving your body a chance to repair.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. We all know someone who has Parkinson’s and that is only growing.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
No
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life which song would it be?
My Way by Frank Sinatra. It represents me squeezing every bit of juice out of life!
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Parkinson’s is not a death sentence; in fact it can be just the beginning of a wonderful life.
Is there someone you know that would also like to share their journey or advocacy? What is their name, website, and email?