An interview with Karen Patterson Teatime with Mother Nature on August 11,2024.
Biography
I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I published my first poem in the Daily Review Missy Mouse Club at age 8. I went to Cosmetology school as an ROP class in high school and was licensed before graduation. I was a makeup artist for the high school repertory department and the summer theater program at Cal State Hayward. After having children, I worked from home. After 9/11 our family moved to upstate NY and made LED solar lighting. After I became disabled in 2010 our lighting business ended. We moved to Colorado. And now I’m in California. I also took two other writing classes when my kids were small. One through The Institute of Children’s Literature and The Writers Studio.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
After spending several years doing research, taking notes and independently trying to live my best life with YOPD. Spring 2023 I found a wonderful support group put on by the Parkinson’s Alliance. They led me to Robert Cochrane and the Day One program. It was the perfect storm. All my years of writing poetry under the persona of Mother Nature finally had the perfect outlet. I was very clear about my ideas. I want to use my voice where others have lost the ability. My vision is something like Crazy George combined with the Mother Nature image from the 70’s parky margarine commercial. Before I knew it. The YOPN TIMES was happening. I was invited to be part of the team. I’ve never been prouder to be part of something in my life. I watch social media for all the latest information and share what I’ve learned. I wrote several letters to senators and representatives before and after the Ending Parkinson’s act was passed. Thanking those who made it possible and sharing my story. I have also helped write grant support letters for Robert Cochrane and Anna Grill. On top of promoting the Day One program through social media, emails and whoever else I can find to listen to. I’m also a member of the Parkinson’s Avengers and try to catch Larry’s meetings when I can. I take part in Fox Insite surveys. Sleep studies. I watch and share information posted by Micheal Okun and Bass Bloom. I keep my eyes peeled for interviews with Ray Dorcy. Rachel Flanagan and the other strong and brave ladies who write for the newspaper. Basically, I read everything I can. Yes, and I take what I’ve learned back to the public by writing articles for both the newspaper and medium magazine.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Survival at first. Quality healthcare is hard to find on the Western Slope in Colorado. Then I read the book ‘A Not so Funny Thing Happened to me on the way to the Future.’ Not only did I empathize with Micheal J. Fox from the first page. His dad and mine had a similar way of speaking. I caught his enthusiasm and energy. In truth. All I wanted to do from that point forward was join the fight. There were no real support groups in the area, and I didn’t have health coverage. So, I tried to cure my own PD by myself rather than bother my family with it. Yes, and I did it by exchanging all but my carbo/levo with tea.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
It’s a split reaction. They either love my energy or they are overwhelmed by it. Micheal Quiiglia was in my Day One class. Yes, and I am flattered by everything he and the rest of the Parkinson’s community have done for me. Really it is an honor to be included in such a great group of people.
What type of advocacy helps and how long are the programs?
I’m learning by watching the best of the best. Ben Beaumont, Susan Scarlet, You. When I see a need I fill it.
It all starts with the Jam for Joy class. That combined with the Day One writing classes have changed my life and connected me with all the best and latest research. Each Day one class is a 16 week program. While it’s not considered therapy yet. I might try to change that also. My neurologist at Synapticure seemed open to the idea of writing prescriptions for improv classes.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I want to show people like me that anything is possible.
I dreamed of being a success story. Like Jimmy Choi. His story along with Pamila Quinn inspired me to lose 90 lbs. and walk away from my cane. I also stand up for women’s issues and took part in the APDA’s valentines day webinars. One of my book titles I’ve worked on for several years is ‘A not so Funny thing Happened to me on my way to Menopause’. A woman’s view on YOPD.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I would like to see Fibromyalgia redefined. Too many women have lost prime living years under what might have been a false diagnosis. I want to prevent other women from suffering on average 4 years longer than men before they receive a clear diagnosis. While we all have made a commitment to change the face of Parkinson’s. Not everyone has my loud voice.
What events do you participate in?
Every online event I can plug into. Parkinson’s Avengers. Everything YAX related. Occasional APDA webinars. And I attend all online events put on by YOPN. I also write for Medium Magazine. Every story I write has links to all the above webpages.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
The newspaper is helpful to all. Yes, and the Day One program along with the Jam for Joy classes are beneficial for both people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. When you are dealing with an unpredictable neurodegenerative disease. The skills we practice in improving are essential. This program was specifically designed to improve people’s quality of life. This includes caregivers. Yes, and now it is being offered to the public.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Contact Robert Cochrane at www.yesandexercise.org. Or Anna Grill with the YOPN network.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Either call the Parkinson’s Foundation hotline or go to their website and look up Advocacy opportunities. Bottom line. We must be willing to tell everyone. I mean everyone, what having this crap is all about. Stay informed by watching those in charge of the Ending Parkinson’s act. Yes, and most important. Read the book Ending Parkinson’s disease: A prescription for Action. . Follow the work of the professionals who wrote it. And follow the wealth of information in the center of the book.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
We have to tell our stories. Loud and Proud. Include the good, the bad and the ugly things we have to cope with while living with this crap. Brutal honesty. Yes, and if you can, take the Day One class. You will find the keys to unlock your storytelling potential. Even If you’ve never written anything other than a shopping list in your life.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
That’s a good question. I’ve been trying to earn the money to pay for my Day One classes for almost a year. I have several items still sitting in a consignment store in Colorado. I was approved for a onetime $300 payment from the APDA.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I love reading and writing. Raising awareness and trying to make the world a better place one story at a time. I use an exercise ball for many things. I walk as much as I can. I do not take any medication other than carbo/levo. I have alternatives that treat everything from stomach issues, arthritis help to hormone support supplements. I also have tea treatments for colds and flu symptoms. I treat my issues in an all-natural way. One cup of tea at a time.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because too many young people are diagnosed with this. If we don’t change the direction the world is headed. There won’t be a single household on the planet who doesn’t know the hardship of dealing with PD. In a sense we have set ourselves up for a global healthcare crisis that we simply are not prepared for.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
My great grandmother spent the better part of the end of her life in a nursing home unable to communicate much. Parkinson’s was her diagnosis.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
I am Spirit by Alex Lifeson. Land of Confusion by Genesis
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
My Name is Karen Patterson. I am the Voice of Mother Nature and I will find a cure for Parkinson’s disease or die trying!