An interview with Sebastiaan Hoyt Rock To Cure Parkinsons on July 10, 2024.
Please tell me a little about your background.
My name is Sebastiaan Todd HOYT and I have been a magician and promoter of various live concerts and events, working with Live Nation and the House of Blues since October 2000. My events usually gather upwards of 1500 people and always have a charity hook.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
Rock to Cure Parkinson’s was born in Los Angeles on July 6th, 2024, as a project producing rock/metal concerts to raise awareness & funds for research for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Michael J Fox is a guitar player and Ozzy Osborn has pd since 2003 so it’s a natural fit.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Since my PD diagnosis in August 2021, I have been searching for a way to help others with PD and connect with them. Doing something fun brings the energy up to a higher vibration through rock.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
Everyone and anyone.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Just a passion to cure PD and a love of rock n roll. Concerts are beginning in March 2025 in LA’
We are just getting started.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
What is cool is this project is rock & roll and brings together doctors, medical care professionals, care partners, musicians, patients and allies. This is a place where everyone is a rockstar to celebrate life in a fun and exciting way, whilst contributing to a good cause.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
The RTCP team has decades in the club and concert business scene. Our goal is to raise $1 million in 5 years for furthering PD research, awareness and to find a cure
What events do you participate in?
Currently local LA rock concerts handing out stickers and promo materials.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
They are VIPS and our rock stars. Give them a thank you through our concerts.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
IG http://www.instagram.com/rocktocureparkinsons and www.rocktocureparkinsons.com
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Join our street team.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about PD?
That PD is not a death sentence but how to help people live better with PD.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Glamor and fun to bring light to a hard subject.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
We need to get interest and reach new audiences. This will do that.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Info info info between rock pics on my IG put loads of PD information.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because it’s a newish way to bring awareness to PD which might affect them in the coming years. PD is growing rapidly, and prevention is the key.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
If you had one song that would tell us mor
e about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
None. We are back in black by ACDC
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
We are here to bring good energy and life through music, which is fun, lets us move and forget our diagnosis for a few minutes.