An interview with Jane Cullen PD Advocate on July 4, 2023.
Biography
I am an exercise teacher specializing in teaching those living with Parkinson’s and all other neurological conditions. I’m also a PD advocate. As PD is the most common neurological condition most of the class members have it. I am also a writer and when I had the beginnings of a story forming in my mind, to raise awareness and money I decided to give my hero a new diagnosis of PD.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I self-published because literary agents said the subject matter wouldn’t sell. It has sold all over the world, in France, Austria, Netherlands, Tasmania and Australia, Canada and the USA.
I was then asked to adapt it into a play which I did, and it was performed twice at a festival in Rochester in 2019 by the wonderful Hempstead Players. Both performances sold out.
It will be performed again in Australia in September this year by an award-winning drama group led by Sue Edge who has PD.
I have travelled all over the country giving talks about the novel and raising awareness and money.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I continue with my advocacy by giving talks all over the country raising awareness. I am passionate about this.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
The goals my class members have are to stay as mobile and flexible as they can.
What type of effect has your advocacy played on the PD community?
The effect my advocacy has is, my class members are dedicated to my classes even turning up when it’s snowing. They love the exercises, but they also find talking to each other after the class while having tea is very helpful for them. It makes them feel they are not alone.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
My future goal is to turn my novel into a TV script to be put on TV as a drama.
What events do you participate in for PD awareness?
I go to as many events as I can and the carers who bring their partners to my class sit and chat with me after the class and find this extremely beneficial. I was a carer for 4 years, so I understand how tough it is.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
My book can be purchased as a paperback from my website or from Amazon Kindle. It’s about a man newly diagnosed with PD who is fearful of the future and a young woman he meets who teaches him to live in the moment. This can benefit caretakers as well.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
My website is: janemcullen.com
I am on Facebook too and Instagram as jane.cullen
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
I would like to leave this quote below for everyone living with Parkinson’s. It sums up how I feel about them.
‘I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.’