An interview with Julia Hunt: Girl Rudely Interrupted
Biography
Julia Hunt is a photographer, wife, and angel baby mom who recently found herself in the middle of Parkinson’s awareness and advocacy by accident. Julia was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2021 and has been building her photography business while managing PD.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I had a hard time really nailing down what I wanted to do when I grew up. I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agriculture Education but became a newspaper Photojournalist after graduation. After that I went to art school to study photography. This time after graduation, I became a restaurant manager, which was only supposed to be a few years until I could start my photography business, but ended up being 14! I always loved restaurants and food, so I was finding out if I wanted to open a restaurant instead.
My dad was in the Airforce when I was born, so we lived in the Philippines when I was age 2-4 and a couple Texas locations as well. We finally came back home to Iowa where I finished growing up as a small-town Iowa girl. The oldest of 4, I learned responsibility quickly!
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
I’m new to the space, but what I’d like to help with is raising awareness, raising funds to help find a cure, living life with PD, finding hope and humor in a difficult condition, healthy recipes and the rest is open to see what happens.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
It has been accidental, but a welcome wonderful surprise. I recently had 2 knee replacement surgeries. I began posting during recovery from the second surgery about recovery and a few about my Parkinson’s. Usually only my clients and a few family members see them. Well, suddenly a few of my posts took off and went viral! It has been wonderful to build a community and begin helping others.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
They learn that they don’t have to give up everything about themselves or their original goals. I want people to ask themselves, how CAN I still live my dreams, even if that looks very different than we planned. Also, how can I help or where do I sign up for your Parkinson’s Photography Fundraiser? (doesn’t exist yet, but I have goals to accomplish this year!).
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Give them hope
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
Raising awareness, help with raising funds, ect.
What events do you participate in?
Iowa Parkinson’s Convention
How does this also assist the caregivers?
It gives them examples to share with their loved ones. Real life examples.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Everything is my photography. www.juliamaephotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/juliamaehunt/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/JuliaMaePhotographyLLC
https://www.tiktok.com/@juliamaehunt?_r=1&_t=ZP-94TH5mSqZiB
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Share their stories, no matter how difficult!
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Work together, share information
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
PD exercise classes, fix every other fixable health problem immediately, healthy MIND diet, breathing exercises.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
This disease affects people WITHOUT a genetic connection, so you will never know who will suffer with it in your lifetime. YOPD often LOOKS like the person is OK, but they are silently suffering. Understanding would go a long way.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease? My grandfather is my only genetic relative. My uncle, mother-in-law and my husband’s aunt all have it and 3 very different versions.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
I couldn’t pick just one.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Gratitude is the most cliché aggravating concept when you are going through the grieving process. BUT if you slowly find reasons PD has made your life better, you will be surprised at what you come up with!
_________________________________________________________
TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Would you like to share your journey! Reach out and together our Voices are so much STRONGER!