An interview with Amanda Yarger on Advocacy through Facebook, August 5, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I’m 43 and live in a very small town in Central Pennsylvania with my husband Don. This year, we celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. I’m a proud boy Mom of two, Marcus and Logan and our daughter-in-law Tara. We are just now entering the stage of being empty nesters. Don is retired from the State Correctional dept, and I’m his full-time caregiver.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I love coffee, cats, Jesus, and Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. I enjoy spending time with family and my good friends. I have two very special close friends, and they are such a wonderful support system. Don and I love to binge new shows and play board games.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
I’m always ready and willing to talk about the disease and ways to cope and maintain a healthy lifestyle with members in my group. I run this group with Ian, a Parkinson’s warrior with young onset PD. This man is a great friend and advocate for the disease.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Parkinson’s disease is very near to my heart. My grandfather was dx when I was a teenager. Looking back Parkinson’s to me was tremors and slow movement. Fast forward to my twenties, when I was a CNA, and worked very closely to many with this illness. I believe my purpose in life was to be a caregiver. My Mother has had Multiple Sclerosis all my life, so I felt a calling to help make a difference in people’s lives.
Nothing prepared me for 2017, when my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I admit I was shocked, and in disbelief for a while. I set out to be his advocate, and to fight alongside him all the way. This disease has brought many amazing people into my life and has allowed me the honor to admin the Parkinson’s group, Parkinson’s Disease Support for All (Including Non-Motor Symptoms) for the past four years. We are a family of almost 11k warriors.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
My goal is to continue to advocate for those with the disease. To be their voice and to navigate them through their everyday lives. I want everyone afflicted with this disease to know they’re never alone.
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Being a caregiver for over 20 years allows me to be able to empathize with others in my role.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
My hopes are that more people will educate themselves on the disease, and that more people will donate to the cause, so that one day soon we will have a cure.
What events do you participate in?
I’ve recently reached out to the Parkinson’s foundation, so that I can volunteer my time and efforts.
How does your advocacy also assist the caregivers?
My advocacy assists others by my knowledge and first-hand experience on being a caregiver myself.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
If anyone would like to join me in this fight, I can be reached at Amandayarger@gmail.com and you can find me on FB Amanda Jones Yarger.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/151115315692667/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
This group is for PWP and their caregivers or loved ones. We talk a lot about the non-motor symptoms. It’s a great group of warriors, and I’m blessed to have the honor of helping to run the group.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
You can become an advocate by doing your research, joining support groups, raising funds for the Parkinson’s foundation. If your area does not offer support groups, start one. I’d be happy to help assist you in doing this.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
One quote that resonates with me is “Warriors are not the ones who always win, but the ones who always fight.”