An interview with Angela Coon on Advocacy on July 8, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at Carolina Lung and Sleep and Policy and Advocacy Volunteer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Past: Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital and Apria Healthcare
Studied Respiratory Therapy at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I became aware of my mother-in-law’s foot drag. She changed from walking beautifully to falling and breaking her ankle. It took 7 years for them to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, even though I had suggested it because of foot drag. I am a respiratory therapist who has worked with many Parkinson’s patients and obviously did not know what I was talking about in the doctor’s eyes. So frustrated, I joined PAN, or Parkinson’s Action Network. A childhood friend was also diagnosed at the same time. So, I just wanted to be of use. Advocacy lets someone touched by the disease get to the right people to get no cure to researched. Then the Michael J. Fox Foundation bought PAN, so my advocacy transferred.
I work locally and nationally to get politicians to put much needed dollars into research to hopefully change incurable to curable.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is to get people living better with Parkinson’s disease and then changing the mind of politicians to make good on giving research dollars to Parkinson’s disease.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Most PWPs think I think too big. However, there are some that are just angry enough to push for change. Change is what I am looking for to get done.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Education. Also, motivation.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
The future is getting each state to have an advocacy network.
What events do you participate in?
I participate in any that I can. Local events, state events, and national events. I also get involved internationally through World Parkinson’s. Local advocacy and getting a mayoral proclamation.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers have some place to place their frustration.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
I said this to a PD group, and they said strength in numbers.