An interview with Jagdeep Aujla from Dopamine Warriors on September 21, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Please tell me a little about your background
I have led a very active life both in work and sport, I have been teaching martial arts for over 35 years, I also play/umpire and teach field hockey.
In the past I have completed marathons, bike rides and treks to raise crucial funding for charities that friends and family have been affected by. Some of these included: Meningitis Trust, BHF and helping children with Leukemia.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
Soon as I was diagnosed, I started to think about how I can raise awareness, so I started in my workplace, joined Teams meetings, and spoke about Parkinson’s, I have also attended numerous community/charity events/local groups raising awareness.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I fell into a role with our local Parkinson’s UK group, and it just led on from there, I want to find a cure for this unique condition if we cannot find one in my life time definitely for future generations.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
We are all on the same page, looking to help others with this condition and ultimately a cure.
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Enormous as your positivity rubs off on them and gives them a reason to fight.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
Carry on doing the same raising as much awareness and finding a cure.
What events do you participate in?
Local community events, Catwalk to a cure, Parkinson’s Walks, local PUK groups.
How does your advocacy also assist the caregivers?
As a boxing instructor I hand out exercise routines for both chair and standing, I express the importance of exercise.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Facebook: @DopamineWarrior
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@Dopaminewarriors
Twitter: @DopamineWarrior
Insta: Dopamine_Warriors
Email: redbridgeeppingforest@gmail.com
Boxercise | Parkinson’s local support finder (parkinsons.org.uk)
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
I suggest joining your local charity foundations that are in your area, if you don’t have any you can easily obtain resources from websites and start advocacy.
If you could add any questions to this interview that you may want others to learn about, what would the question(s) be?
- How often do you exercise?
- Which barriers, if any do you face when exercising?
- Do you know the importance of exercising especially if you have Parkinson’s?
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Listening and understanding everyone, we are all unique and this condition is the same.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Research is advancing there is hope and until we don’t reach there change your lifestyle this includes your diet and exercise.
Is there someone you know that would also like to share their journey or advocacy? What is their name, website, and email?