An interview with Kendra Dinius Parkinson’s AHAIRMESS! On July 6, 2024.
Biography
My name is Kendra and I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s just after I turned 40 years old. My career as a hairdresser and educator as well as being a mom to my three sons was the focus of my life. I felt like I got hit by a bus when I heard my diagnosis even though I had been having symptoms for years prior. My life changed paths the day I heard those words. I spent a year suffering in silence, not knowing how to tell anyone. Especially my children. The day I woke up and stopped feeling sorry for myself and just owned my diagnosis was the day I took my life back and really started living. I started living and thriving to help others with what I know best. Doing hair to make people look and feel their best! I recently started a nonprofit to help kids and young adults suffering the effects of hair loss from chemo, radiation, and other forms of hair loss. I know what it’s like to have a life-changing diagnosis and I know what it takes to make people smile! I’m changing lives, one strand at a time.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I’ve been a hairdresser and educator in my industry for the past 26 years. I’ve specialized in hair extensions and hair pieces most of my career.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
Kiki’s Haus was founded to help our kids and young adults suffering from hair loss. Our goal is to not only provide wigs and hair pieces during the hair loss phase but continue to support these individuals through the hair growth phase. We provide wigs and hair pieces as well as men’s units to bring back confidence and smiles during the loss phase. We also educate on how to apply the pieces correctly as well as care for and clean them. During the regrowth phase, we provide haircuts, braids, hair extensions, updos, anything we can do to help along the way!
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion in life is to make others aware that Parkinson’s is not a death bed. There are so many of us thriving in life and making a difference daily. We still work. We still function, we have kids. We’re soccer moms. We were just dealt a different hand in life and it’s important that we continue to fight for answers and hopefully a cure for future individuals being diagnosed.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
I honestly haven’t met a ton of people with the same diagnosis. There is such an amazing support network online and on social media that I’ve become a part of. I truly feel that we all have similar goals of just living a “normal” life as long as possible and not letting Parkinson’s rob us of that.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
My program focuses more on youth with life changing diagnosis. We help for months to years as they progress and heal for hair loss.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I think it’s important to know that even with a life changing diagnosis as Parkinson’s, we can still find a passion and happiness in helping others. Keeping the brain engaged and giving back to our community brings happiness everywhere. Happiness engaged endorphins and boosts dopamine.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
I would love to see more individuals with Parkinson’s come together to help community outreach.
What events do you participate in?
I’ve participated in the walks to spread awareness for Parkinson’s as well as raising donations for Parkinson’s awareness.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers will always have a hard job helping with Parkinson’s patients. Compassion, empathy, and patience will always go a long way!
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Kiki’s Haus can be reached through our email at kikishs444@gmail.com or also our website at kikihs.com
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Reach out online and help raise funds for research. Join the walks associated with Parkinson’s awareness. Educate yourselves on Parkinson’s really is and the difference between those diagnosed with young onset.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
I think it’s important to reach out to a younger audience. I don’t think people realize how many are truly affected from this at a young age as well. It’s not just an “old people’s” disease.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I’m a huge advocate of staying busy and active. Talk to people. Stay hydrated. Mental health is so important! I’m also a firm believer in medicinal Marijuana and its benefits for those dealing with tremors and insomnia.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
You just never know when this disease will affect your life. I would never have guessed in a million years that YOPD would be my reality at 40 years old.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
My mother’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s as well as my son’s grandfather On their father’s side.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life which song would it be?
Titanium by David Guetta and Sia
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Live your life with a smile and share it with the world. Embrace the cards you’ve been dealt. Never walk away without a hug and “I love you”.