Elisabeth Ildal Nielsen on Triumphing over PD

An interview with Elisabeth Ildal Nielsen from Cure 4 Parkinson & Triumphing over Parkinson’s on September 4, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.

Biography

I’m born in Aalborg, Denmark 1959. I have 3 siblings. My parents are still alive, 82 years old and still strong. I have been married for 36 years, have 3 kids, 4 grandkids and 2 more grandkids on the way. I live alone, which I am very happy with. My family is my family, not my caregivers. So, I took the rest of the journey alone.

Please tell me a little about your background.

I had a fantastic childhood, great family. I started in a bank when I was 17 years old. Later I became Master in law from Copenhagen University. I am a specialist in real-estate, have had my own business for 25 years. Stopped working 2 years ago. For the last 10 years I have been a member of the City Counsil. I am elected until 31.12.2025.

Can you tell me more about your advocacy?

I was diagnosed on June 20, 2013. I was in chock, Parkinson’s???? So, I went into a black place for 3 years. Did not tell anyone anything. In March 2016 I went out public and told that I have PD. That was a good feeling. 2016 I went to WPC Portland and f, and from there I went fast. I came in the book Global Faces of Parkinson, went to rehab in Spain. Learned that training improved my level of function 22 % in 3 weeks. I became Ambassador for WPC Kyoto, made my own private training center Cure4Parkinson and since 016 I have used all my time on making awareness for Parkinson’s in many ways.

What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?

My passion is Table Tennis, biking, and music. Table Tennis can and will change lives and so very good for people with PD. All the best medication.

What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?

To take our own life into our own hands and help our fellows who need help and to have a good life in spite PD. We have been given a life, so we have tried to get the best out of it. It’s not always easy. We give hope. The neurologist gives facts.

What type of training and how long are the programs?

Table Tennis: 3-4 times a week, 1-2 hours + tournaments

Biking: 2 times a week,1-2 hours

Fitness: 2 x 1 hours pr. week.

Painting: 2 – 5 hours pr. week

What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?

I think

Feel good
Happiness
Fun

What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?

I want to build training houses all over Europe and I want Table Tennis on perception as physiotherapy.

What events do you participate in?

All different, sport, congress, meetings money collection etc. events with city council.

How does your advocacy also assist the caregivers?

I only work with people with Parkinsons. Caregivers are welcome, but my main goal is the person who have PD.

How can someone get in touch? What is your website?

www.cure4parkinson.com

Elisabeth Ildal on social media and LinkedIn.

How can others also become advocates for awareness?

Contact me or some of the national foundations. Start a new place. Write, paint, just do it.

If you could add any questions to this interview that you may want others to learn about, what would the question(s) be?

How can it be, that we still are taking medication developed I 1967, I don’t get it?

In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?

To tell all the good stories. No one wants to hear about bad diseases, negative vibes.

If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?

I am not an appendix to Parkinson’s; Parkinson is an appendix to me.

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