An interview with Eva Bekkers from My Life With Parkinson’s on June 2, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I am 49 years old, and I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s since February 2022. I am a mother of twin boys / girls aged 18 years. And bonus mother of my husband’s sons, aged 15 and 16. I am an entrepreneur of a large beauty salon, Beauty & Wellness care Luna. Unfortunately, because of the Parkinson’s disease I must stop. In the meantime, I became the founder of My Life With Parkinson- MLWP. By writing a lot about my daily life with Parkinson’s, I get a lot of response and awareness for and about Parkinson’s worldwide. My goal is to inspire and motivate others through my own positive mindset and lifestyle to get something beautiful out of life!
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I am 49 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 47. I am a mother of 18-year-old twins. And bonus mother of my husband’s sons aged 15 and 16. So get used to busy household. I was also an entrepreneur of 2 beauty salons. For this work I need good working hands. And that is no longer possible in my profession. My right side no longer works properly.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is entrepreneurship. And I am very sociable and interested in other people and their stories. Because I like to listen to the stories of others, I notice that those stories touch me emotionally. And those stories are the same for me because I run into the same problems as a young onset Parkinson’s patient.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
In practice, my goal is to raise awareness for the YOPD. They are heard far too little. And we don’t fit the stereotype of a Parkinson’s patient. We are not old, gray, or shivering all the time. We are young, hip and above all very sporty!
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I can say that it has a positive effect on Parkinson’s fighters. I try to inspire and encourage others to keep going!
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
For the future, I would like to see a global medical care policy for people with Parkinson’s disease: young and old. A tailor-made care plans. Where the personal needs of the patient are considered. I would like more awareness for the YOPD, and that they are heard more in society.
What events do you participate in?
I am walking the largest walking tour in the world: the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. 4x 40 km run per day. I walk for Parkinson NL and automatically I run the sponsor run. So, anyone can donate. And I write a lot about my life with Parkinson’s @mylifewithparkinson
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Instagram @mylifewithparkinson
Facebook: My Life With Parkinson’s
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Perseverance is my motto, there is no such thing as giving up. By fighting against Parkinson’s, I try to create more awareness worldwide. I try to inspire and motivate everyone that despite this disease your life does not stop, and by continuing to carry on your life can still be very beautiful and special. So, ENJOY life!