An interview with Chris Welber, A Brutal Disease
Biography
I am 61, retired early due to PD and hold a masters in Cybersecurity. I used to play in a band and now play guitar and sing with another DBS patient. I’m married and have two stepchildren. I am the middle of two sons.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
I started an in-person DBS support group for those with or who are considering Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I used to have many passions, but PD robbed me of them. I found out about advocacy from Shakinginmybootsesther.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
At this point I don’t see a cure in my lifetime at 61. Just being more comfortable would be great.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
For new patients to steer folks towards evidence-based solutions and away from the nonsense crackpots that pray on folks and tell them they can cure it when as of 4/20/26 there is not even any proven method other than exercise that slows the progression.
What events do you participate in?
In person DBS support groups and some online ones.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers participate alongside their significant others.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
We don’t have a website. If they are within driving distance of Livingston NJ, they can email me and I can add them to our WhatsApp group.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
I’m not sure, usually it takes personal pain to motivate folks.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Exercise, reaching out to others, Buddhism, helping others.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because it’s of Epidemic proportions and there’s a good chance it will affect them or someone, they know.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
My Aunt had and I was diagnosed in 2/2018 and had DBS surgery in 5/2023.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
There are so many hard things to say.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Pray, preserve, protect each other
_______________________________________________
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!