An interview with Dianne Bramble from Paintings for Parkinson’s on July 2, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada ini 1968. I have one younger sister. My father was a psychologist who died in 2021. My mother is still alive and is a retired nurse. She is 85. I moved to Ottawa, Ontario Canada in 1992 with my then boyfriend who is now my husband, Tim Bramble. We have been married for 27 years and have 2 daughters aged 21 and 19. We have a dog and a horse. Our lives are pretty normal.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
My background is in nursing. I have been a nurse since 2000, although I no longer practice. I come from a family that is very politically active and from an early age, I was taught to speak out if I thought something was wrong and needed correcting. It just came naturally to me to start advocating for people with Parkinson’s. I guess it’s in my DNA.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
My advocacy kind of changes as I see the need. I have talked to my local political representatives – municipally, provincially, and federally. I have advocated for better care, more money for research, and just for more awareness of the disease.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I have several passions. I love riding horses, painting, writing, talking to people about Parkinson’s, and generally enjoying life. I got involved in Parkinson’s awareness pretty much as soon as I was diagnosed in September of 2013. I needed to find out more about the disease and as I did, I realized that I needed to teach others what I had learned. I know there will be a cure and I will be around for it!
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
I think the people around me have similar goals of spreading awareness and advocating for more money for research.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
The effect I can have has been to give people hope. I feel hopeless sometimes, but mostly I am so focused on my goal of finding a cure, it doesn’t last long.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
As for a future for my advocacy, I would like to continue working with government officials and researchers.
What events do you participate in?
I participate in the Parkinson SuperWalk every year. This year will be my 10th year. I am going to the World Parkinson Congress this year. It will be my first one.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
I like to think that I give caregivers hope as well..
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
People can get in touch with me at dianne.bramble@gmail.com, or https://www.facebook.com/BrambleDianne or https://www.facebook.com/theaccidentalsuperhero/.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Don’t ever give up. There is always hope. Find someone to talk to if you are feeling down or hopeless. We are fighters and I will fight until there is a cure!