An interview with Larry Schaberg on Advocacy on August 18, 2024.
Biography
I was born in Michigan to a deaf mother and father whose younger brother is hard of hearing. After finishing high school left for the Marine Corps as an infantryman. Bootcamp was in Sandiego, CA. I was stationed in Twentynine-Palms, CA. We did a rotation in Okinawa Japan and did a little time in South Korea. While I was in the Marine Corps, I injured my knee and was discharged after serving just shy of 3 years. After coming home, my high school sweetheart and I moved to Maryland where I started schooling and working full time as a developer, search engineer, among others. I spent over 10 years working on my bachelor’s degree while working full time between a couple of different schools. I would later finish my Masters in Cybersecurity Management and Policy with a 4.0 and was invited into 3 different honor societies. After my bachelor’s I tried starting my own company but after around 3 years left to where I currently work.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I remember being younger and needing to use a computer to dial other computers and interact with them on message boards. While I am a reserved individual, I like interacting with others, sharing, and learning. While researching what I thought I had, I found what seemed like a large community of people with Young Onset Parkinsons sharing and communicating with one another. I felt I could contribute with my unique experience. My hope is something I have experienced can help someone else get through a tough time or better understand somewhat of what someone may be going through. One generally can find calmness in storms when they are in a community or with others in similar situations, I know I do.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Others could become advocates by sharing what they or others are experiencing and sharing organizations and how they help like the Michal J. Fox Foundation. The more that help the more others can become aware.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Using technology to get information out to a wide range of people. Go to where they are rather than wanting them to come to you.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
That is a good question. There are a lot of organizations trying to get support. I think the best way is to continue getting as many people as possible to better understand Parkinsons, how fast it is growing, and what has been done.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I used to do HIIT workouts but am no longer able to move good enough. After trying a few different things, I now use a stationary bike for cardio, weights to help with strength, core workouts, deadlift, and others to try and get as best of a full body workout. I try to do different muscles on different days other than the stationary bike. These seem to work well when you can’t go to a gym. I also go for walks with my kids and stand most of the day when working at a desk.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
It is a fast-growing disease. It is possible someone in their network may have it. If not, they may in the future. We should all care about diseases and understand them. Not all are visible. Having a basic understanding improves who we are as humans and improves our understanding of what is going on around us.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
No one in my family line had it. I found out my uncle had it, but he is not in my family line.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life which song would it be?
I think it would be “It’s Not Over Yet” by For King and Country. A song about whatever life throws at you it is not over yet and to keep fighting. Particularly with the last several years with health issues, challenges, and diagnoses, this song about just keeps fighting and life is not over resonating with who I am; constantly pushing and fighting regardless of what comes my way.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Use the tools and resources we have to fight back, there is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed, and never give up fighting.
Is there someone you know that would also like to share their journey or advocacy? What is their name, website, and email?
No one I know. I am still working on getting to know others and figuring out where to meet others.