An interview with Kendall McDonald from Kendall’s Therapy Art on July 15, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
My name is Kendall and I have been battling Parkinson’s Disease for 20 years now. I was born in Hollywood Florida, raised on the Space Coast of Florida for 46 years and now reside in North Florida. My first symptoms started in February 2003 at the age of 29. I went to a local doctor who treated me for muscle spasms. It slowly got worse over that year. I went to see a neurologist in July of 2004, who ran numerous tests, brain and neck MRIs and Nerve Conduction Study and could not find anything wrong with me. From the years 2004 to mid-2010 I was misdiagnosed. I finally went to a new neurologist in mid-2010, who ordered another round of tests and officially diagnosed me with Parkinson’s. I used to be a staff accountant in a CPA firm and was taking night classes to become a CPA. With the advice of my doctor, I changed jobs and dropped out of school to lower my stress. I used to be a musician/singer in high school and had several music scholarships to various universities and colleges. I have been married for 20 years; I have a 24-year-old daughter and have complete financial security. I also used to be a very outgoing and sociable person. Life was good. Parkinson’s has robbed me of literally everything, a promising and good paying career, my marriage, my relationship with my daughter, longtime friendships, and my ability to sing. It has given me severe social anxiety, problems with simple tasks like tying shoes, brushing teeth, speech, and handwriting. The loss of my ability to write and sign my name was the first and hardest part to overcome.
I went to my part-time to finally quit my job because of stress, anxiety and depression that was consuming me as I continue my battle. The one constant thing that has helped me continue my battle every day is Art. I started creating art in 2014 and has helped me through many, many dark days over the years when I wanted to give up. Art helps me focus, helps my brain focus and is the biggest outlet for me to express my feelings and thoughts. Art, simply put, saved my life! ART has been my outlet for many years – got me through the toughest times of my life!! I will not give up until we find a cure – and honestly, I believe we may be on to something with Art, any form and music!!
I had literally donated my body to science for over 5 years, at the National Institute of Health (NIH), the MAYO Clinic and Accel research study centers, in hopes that in some way to help find a cure. I have been on many forms of medications throughout the years to help my quality of life.
In December of 2019, I participated in a 31 day double blind placebo trial study for Parkinson’s disease. I was given an experimental drug for 28 days. Before I went into the study, I was not able to write my name for 17 years. After five days of the trial study, I was able to legibly sign and print my name for the first time. After the 10th day I was able to hand write a three-page letter thanking the facility for choosing me, as I was 1 of 27 across United States to participate in the study. I was in the second phase of the trial study and was hopeful for FDA approval but to my dismay, it was denied. This trial study changed my life!! Now I can’t stop drawing and painting!! I have not been on medication since December 31 of 2019 yet I’m still able to do pretty much everything that I started to do during the study. I am blessed beyond words, and it is my mission to find a cure for Parkinson’s!! I am trying to sell my artwork and will be donating all the proceeds to Parkinson’s research!! Attached you will see the letter that I hand-wrote during the trial study. You can see from my writing that’s I was quite emotional at that time.
It is my belief and opinion that the trial med UCB0599 and my DNA is a cure for a form of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s, although it is a very difficult disease to have and live with, it has been a blessing. I no longer take anything for granted, as it affects every second of every day of my life. It has also helped me find the inner strength to continue my journey in life with this disease. You can either lay down and let it take over your body or you can stand up and fight back! Art has given me my life back! In the past, I have donated a lot of my art to local charity auctions, local school fundraisers, and school reunion door prizes. Now I’ve decided to sell it and donate ALL proceeds to PD research and charities.
Art is life for me as I continue my journey!
Please tell me a little about your background.
Born and raised in Florida, turn 50 in August and have been battling Parkinson’s for over 20 years- first noticed symptoms at age 29.
Can you tell me more about Kendall’s Therapy Art?
Just an online store selling my artwork- all proceeds donated to Parkinson’s research. I was blessed to be able to create art drawing, painting, make clocks, masks etc. It is a great way to focus my brain and get through tough days.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is helping others, creating art, and staying positive. I have been involved in several trial studies from NIH, MAYO, Accel Research Ctr, and online studies.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Keeping a positive attitude and mindset is crucial. To keep moving, pushing out of your comfort zone and try to be kind and supportive to others.
What type of training does Kendall’s Therapy Art offer?
Self-taught artist.
What effect can Kendall’s Therapy Art have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Extremely beneficial in my opinion- Art in any form helps your brain calm, sooth, create unique ideas.
What would you like to see as a future goal for Kendall’s Therapy Art?
Get as many people involved with art – l want to help others find a way to live a better, happier life.
What events do you participate in?
I participate in a weekly Parkinson’s exercise group and a monthly Parkinson’s Support Group. I try to do as much as I can to raise awareness online like Instagram, Facebook, etc. I participated in a local Awareness run last year. Unfortunately, this year was not feeling well enough to participate, but I try when I can.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Check out my website www.Kendalls-Therapy-Art.com.
Email kendallstherapyart@gmail.com Instagram kendalls_therapy_art
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Never Give Up, Be Kind Always and remember to “Just Breathe.”