An interview with Larry Linton: It’s not about the climb. It’s about the descent on October 15, 2024.
Biography
Born and raised in South Africa. Lawyer in three jurisdictions: South Africa, New Zealand and Ontario, Canada. Corporate immigration lawyer for thirty years. Outside of law, I’m very involved in the Parkinson community in Canada and into a certain extent in the US as well.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
Very involved with the PD community in Canada. Serve on the Board of Directors at Parkinson Canada, national charity; Ambassador with the Davis Phinney Foundation, and resident panelist on their monthly webinars. I’m frequently invited to be on other webinars, presentations, deliver keynote speeches and sit on patient advisory committees, sharing my lived experience.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
As much as I would love a day that we talk about Parkinson’s historically, I am focused on helping others live well PD until that day. I came to the community later than I would’ve liked, having lived the first couple of years following my diagnosis in isolation. I joined my first support group after eight years and wish that I had joined much sooner. I felt immediately at home with others and have continued to enjoy the shared experiences of others all in the hope of helping each other on this journey.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I recently launched my own coaching business to assist those who are considering disclosing their condition in the workplace and all of the consequences stemming from that decision, including accommodation requests, impact on careers and navigating through the mind field of the disability claim process.
How long are the programs?
I offer 1:1 coaching, small group, coaching, and master classes on various topics of disclosure in the workplace.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I see it as an opportunity to educate a client and to provide them with all of the tools necessary for them to be in control of the “disclosure dilemma”, and some of the tips and tricks of the disability claim process.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
In an ideal world, I would want an employer and insurance companies to acknowledge that the diagnosis of a chronic incurable and progressive illness life Parkinson’s is enough to ensure that the disability claims are approved. Instead of the hardship, both financially and emotionally, that the PwP must endure to prove that.
What events do you participate in?
Biking – recently completed 500 km in a grassroots ride across Canada to raise awareness for Parkinson’s.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers are equally burdened with the responsibility of this disease and play a crucial role in the well-being of the PwP
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
www.livewellwithPD.com
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Engaging the right people. The message may be clear but if the audience is not the right one, the request will be worthless
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world. Canada is one of countries with steadily increasing cases of diagnoses. The problem is that the disease has traditionally been viewed as an “old person’s” disease. We need to show the younger faces of those inflicted with the disease where the impact, both financially and emotionally, will be devastating long term,
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Probiotics has been added to my daily regime – and I have had great results from it – Kyojin is the name of the product. Cold baths, sauna and mindfulness are the other alternative remedies that I take.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Live life like you have it.
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?
Great question. I am a percussionist too so to isolate one song is very hard. My late mother’s favorite song was Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. I’ve chosen that one.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
“Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful”