An interview with Katrina Miller: Living with Parkinson’s, Not Defined by It.
Biography
My name is Katrina. I’m a retired elementary school teacher, a wife of nearly four decades, a mom, grandmother, Christian, and creator. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2025. While the diagnosis changed many aspects of my life, it also gave me a new purpose: encouraging others who are facing Parkinson’s and helping people better understand what living with the disease really looks like.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
I advocate trough TikTok by sharing my daily experiences.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is helping people realize that a Parkinson’s diagnosis is not the end of living. It’s the beginning of learning a different way to live. I want newly diagnosed people to know they’re not alone, and I want families and friends to understand what life with Parkinson’s is really like.
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I hope that people gain hope, practical tips, encouragement, honesty, realistic expectations, faith, and community.
My advocacy comes through sharing my own journey, experiences, and practical lessons I’ve learned while living with Parkinson’s.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I hope that I offer less fear, less isolation, more understanding, more hope, and knowing someone that understands.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I’d love to continue growing my online platform so I can reach more people living with Parkinson’s. I hope to become a trusted voice that encourages people, educates the public, and reminds families that there is still joy and purpose after diagnosis.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Parkinson’s affects more than the person diagnosed. It affects spouses, children, friends, and caregivers. I hope sharing my journey helps caregivers understand why medication timing matters, why plans sometimes change, and how much encouragement means to someone living with Parkinson’s.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
They can reach out to me on TikTok. I do not have a website.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Advocacy doesn’t always require a microphone. Sometimes it’s simply sharing a story, checking on someone with Parkinson’s, participating in a fundraiser, correcting misconceptions, or learning more about the disease.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Authenticity. People connect with real stories more than perfect presentations. When we’re honest about both the struggles and the victories, we give others permission to hope.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
I think people are more willing to support research when they understand that Parkinson’s affects entire families, not just individuals. Personal stories help people connect with the mission behind the fundraising.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I do the following:
taking medication on schedule
regular exercise
walking
swimming
strength and balance work
eating well
reducing stress
staying socially connected
maintaining faith
keeping a positive outlook
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because Parkinson’s can touch almost any family. As our population ages, more people will know a parent, spouse, sibling, friend, or coworker living with Parkinson’s. Greater understanding leads to greater compassion, earlier diagnosis, stronger support systems, and ultimately more funding for research that could improve millions of lives.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
No, I have not.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Way Maker
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Parkinson’s has changed my life, but it hasn’t taken my purpose. Every day I choose hope over fear, faith over uncertainty, and gratitude over discouragement. If you’re newly diagnosed, know this—you are not alone, and your story is far from over.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Would you like to share your journey! Reach out and together our Voices are so much STRONGER!