An interview with Peggy Faber: Dream. Believe. Achieve. Succeed on February 16, 2025.
Biography
I have always been an active person and ran my first marathon in 1996 with the hope of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Several years and 9 marathons later, I was still trying to qualify for Boston, always finishing with a good time, just not good enough. I found it discouraging to come in fast, but never quite fast enough to catch the unattainable “BQ”, (Boston Qualifier), which meant I needed to adjust my goal. That is when I found the 50 States Marathon Club and decided to run/walk a marathon in all 50 states. Fast forward another 15 years and halfway through the states I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I did not let the DREAM die here. I firmly BELIEVED with hard work, I could still ACHIEVE this 50 Marathon, 50 States Goal. In September 2024 surrounded by family and friends I SUCCEEDED in finishing 50th Marathons in 50 States.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
As I approached my last 3 states, I hooked up with the Parkinson’s Foundation hoping to raise funds towards finding a cure and to also spread awareness and inspire others. The Foundation gave me a goal of raising $5,000 and so far I’ve raised over $11,000. I consider, “Increasing awareness and Inspiring others”, just as important as fundraising. At least 3 other people have joined the Parkinson’s Champions and committed to raising funds to help fight this disease after hearing my story.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Fitness is my passion, specifically the use of exercise to slow down and even hold off the progression of Parkinson’s. My physical therapist is convinced that my marathon lifestyle has played a significant role in keeping my Parkinson’s symptoms at bay. Her slogan, “Exercise is Medicine”, is something I firmly believe in!
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
When I first meet someone with Parkinson’s they often suggest “Let’s go for some coffee and have a nice chat”, I come back with “How about we go for a walk and have an even nicer chat”. I try to encourage any level of exercise for others with Parkinson’s and sometimes those early mile or two walks are the catalyst for starting a new fitness program. While the marathon lifestyle has certainly helped me keep my Parkinson’s symptoms at bay, I try and stress that any increase in exercise or aerobic exertion will help others with their own Parkinson’s management. One of the most rewarding ways to improve your fitness level is to start taking exercise classes (preferably classes designed for people living with Parkinson’s). In addition to the physical benefits that classes provide, the camaraderie and accountability with the friends you quickly make is extremely beneficial.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I currently coach with Vancouver Fit which is a 6 month Marathon or a 3 month Half Marathon training program. This is NOT directed towards people with Parkinson’s, but can be adapted (medicine management is key) if someone with PD wanted to try a full or half marathon. Overall Fitness programs such as Boxing, Ping Pong, Swimming, HIIT, dancing, cycling, boot camps… all play a significant role in movement disorder management. Physical activity must be done often and consistently to slow down the progression of Parkinson symptoms.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Dream – We all dream of a world without Parkinson’s
Believe – We have to believe in ourselves and our ability to fight off the progression of Parkinson’s
Achieve – With continued exercise, increasing in intensity we will begin to Achieve these goals
Succeed – Maintaining the fitness lifestyle will help us succeed in living a life where Parkinson’s is with us, but does not control us
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
Awareness of the power of a solid exercise program and the benefits derived is key to someone with Parkinson’s. I would like to see that message delivered immediately at the time of someone’s diagnosis and then followed up periodically until the message sticks! This could be as simple as a pamphlet handed to the person by their neurologist or movement disorder specialist. There are many type of support groups that should also encourage regular exercise for their members.
What events do you participate in?
I have completed a marathon in all 50 states. I am starting the half marathon journey around the states as the first round with the marathons was so rewarding. I played in the Parkinson’s division of the US Open for Table Tennis. I participate in small local events such as line dancing, smaller races, cycling (stationary bike) and daily exercise classes specifically for people with Parkinson’s.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
A strong fitness programs will let the person living with Parkinson’s keep their independence longer and reduce the level of help provided by the caregivers.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
I have a Facebook page with the Parkinson’s Champions and will respond to any messages received on this page… Look for Parkinson’s Champions – Peggy Halpin Faber, or press on the following link
https://www.facebook.com/donate/7955282967870373/
You can also read “My Story’ on the Parkinson’s Foundation website by selecting People living with Parkinson’s / My Story / Peggy Faber, or press the following link
https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/stories/peggy-faber
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
It’s important that more people become aware of Parkinson’s and learn that a diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence. I recently asked a physical therapist intern what words of wisdom she would pass on to students a year or so behind her. Her response, “The people you work with are so diverse in their symptoms, many you would never realize have Parkinson’s, and they are so capable of incredible goals and accomplishments. They amaze me with their resilience and determination”.
What are you most thankful for?
I’m so thankful for my wonderful family and great friends. The support they gave me as a completed my 50 marathons in my 50th states was unbelievable. I had 31 people join me in my 50th state, most traveling across the country to be part of my final state.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Not being afraid to put yourself out there. I was a little over half way through my 50 marathons in 50 states goal when I noticed at around mile 20 my gait and balance started to suffer. Other racers would ask me if I was OK or if I needed medical help. I’d thank them for their concern and say “I have Parkinson’s, this is what it looks like, please help us find a cure.” I eventually had a shirt printed that said “50 States Countdown, Fighting Parkinson’s one mile at a time”. When I wear that shirt people come up to me and tell me about their Dad, or cousin, or friend who has Parkinson’s and ask what they can do to help. It opens the door for conversations, some of which might be painful for the person but somehow made easier when it’s coming from one crazy marathoner to another.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
There are so many worthwhile causes that need support. As an individual, I’m extremely proud of the funds I have raised and I never thought I’d be the person who “Bugged my friends” for money. I was surprised how generous people were when they heard my story. I am very thankful for the support the Parkinson’s Foundation gave me to assist in my fundraising efforts!
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I spend a great deal of time exercising either in person at the gym or online with zoom classes. Most often my fitness routine includes walking, strength training, swimming, line dancing, ping pong, boxing, power moves and yoga.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
People should care NOT ONLY about finding a cure and helping those living with Parkinson’s, but also about finding cures and helping those living with all kinds of chronic diseases and ailments. Those lucky enough to come out on top in the gene pool lottery will undoubtedly have their lives impacted by a loved one who isn’t so lucky. With Parkinson’s specifically, we are so closed to a cure, we need to spread the word and gain support to finally put Parkinson’s behind us. A solid fitness program and exercise regime for people living with PD has been proven to slow down Parkinson’s progression and everyone touched by Parkinson’s should know this.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 92. He passed away a few months later. He started taking Carbidopa Levodopa but never really saw any improvement in his health.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
The theme from the Mary Tyler Moore show
Who can turn the world on with a smile,
Who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile,
Well it’s you girl and you should know it,
With each glance and every little movement you show it,
Love is all around no need to fake it,
You can have this town, why don’t you take it,
YOU’RE GONNA MAKE IT AFTER ALL!
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Dream. Believe. Achieve. Succeed.