June 15, 2023 by Dr. George Ackerman
Biography
Katrina Kahl, MPH is the executive director of the Brian Grant Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers people impacted by Parkinson’s disease to lead active and fulfilling lives. Her prior roles also include director of marketing and communications at the National Psoriasis Foundation and associate director of communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Katrina has nearly two decades of experience in public health and social justice, advocating for solutions to issues ranging from global poverty to women’s health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Portland State University and a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I am a public health professional working in the field for nearly 20 years now. I was working at the Michael J. Fox Foundation when Brian was diagnosed. I am a lifelong Portland Trailblazers fan from Portland, OR so I knew who he was. I met Brian when he came to a gala to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation and worked with him on his first event to raise funds for research. When I moved back to Portland, Brian reached out to help him with his foundation and I came on board.
Can you tell me more about the Brian Grant Foundation?
The Brian Grant Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the well-being of people with Parkinson’s. The Brian Grant Foundation empowers people impacted by Parkinson’s to lead active and fulfilling lives. We provide resources to support well-being, connect people with Parkinson’s to a supportive community, and share the stories of people affected by the disease. BGF was established in 2010, following Brian’s diagnosis in 2008 at the age of 36.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I am very passionate about helping people live healthy and happy lives and building healthy communities. Working with the Parkinson’s community has been incredible. Supporting people to make lifestyle changes that can improve their health is also very meaningful. Plus, I get to meet some amazing people along the way.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
We try to help individuals realize their own goals. Some want to run a marathon; others want to be able to play with their grandkids. It depends on the personal goals of the individuals that come to us. Our goal is to provide the resources and tools that the evidence shows help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
See https://briangrant.org/ then scroll to Healthy Living and you will find information on:
EXERCISE: Use our exercise resources to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
NUTRITION: Learn how a healthy diet can help support overall health.
LIFESTYLE: Get tips and tools to live better with Parkinson’s.
What type of training do you offer and how long are the programs?
We have weekly mindfulness classes, as well as in-depth courses three times per year. We recommend the 8-week class to integrate mindfulness into daily living. B
Team Grant is a dedicated group of supporters who fundraise on behalf of the Brian Grant Foundation. The funds raised by Team Grant help BGF provide tools to improve the wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s. There are two ways to join Team Grant – host a fundraiser or become a monthly donor. Also see https://briangrant.org/teamgrant/
Also visit https://briangrant.org/events/
YOPDX – Social Get Together for People with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease
Breath by Breath Mindfulness Drop-In Class. Breath by Breath is a weekly online drop-in mindfulness class.
Wellness Webcast: Global Perspectives on Parkinson’s. Join a discussion with Soania Mathur, MD, the host.
What effect can your programs have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Though there is no cure for Parkinson’s, healthy lifestyle choices and a supportive community can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Here is a recent article by Brian Grant called Brian’s corner at https://briangrant.org/brians-corner-may-2023/
Can you explain more about your programs for people with young onset Parkinson’s disease?
Brian was 36 when he was diagnosed with young onset PD. So, we work with many individuals with young onset, who have unique challenges such as parenting, working and taking care of their parents. In Portland we have a young onset group that meets monthly to hang out and be social with other individuals who can share stories and experiences.
What events do you participate in?
For more see briangrant.org/events
We participate in the World Parkinson Congress and hold classes in Breath by Breath Mindfulness Drop-In Class and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course. The next mindfulness course starts on September 12, 2023.
How do your programs also assist the caregivers?
We try to also support caregivers and have had a lot of programs that are directed to loved ones. The caregivers also come to our programs for people with Parkinson’s, and we provide a group where they can also share their stories.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
https://briangrant.org/ or info@briangrant.org
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson community, what would it be?
There is a community that is here to support you! If you would like to connect with the Brian Grant Foundation community, visit us at briangrant.org.
Brian Grant’s Story
Brian Grant was an NBA idol, known for tenacious rebounding and a fearless attitude on the court. During his 12‐year career, he played for five teams and became a strong contributor to his surrounding communities. Today, Brian continues to inspire as a speaker, philanthropist, and a patient who insists on thriving with Parkinson’s disease. His mission is to help people become their best, even when it seems impossible.
Brian started his career at Xavier University where he was Player of the Year twice for the Midwestern Collegiate Conference. He was drafted in the first round, eighth overall, in the 1994 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. His career continued with the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. During this time, Brian also served underprivileged youth and sick families in his community. His contributions earned him the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
In 2006, Brian retired from professional basketball. Only two years later, he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 36. It was hard for him to believe that his athletic body couldn’t push through the pain or get better with time. He was scared and humbled, yet fiercely determined to be as healthy as possible. This motivation launched the Brian Grant Foundation, for those with Parkinson’s who want to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Since then, Brian has become a sought-after keynote speaker. Companies and organizations nationwide are drawn to his authenticity and captivated by his stories that unite us as people, regardless of age or background. Brian is also on the Trail Blazers Alumni Ambassador Corp and he loves to fish, surf, and enjoy the mountains in Oregon.
Brian learned from his coaches that you can’t always control the ball, but you can control your effort. As a father of eight, he wants to show his kids that quality of life takes sweat and determination, but the results are always worth it.