An interview with Kim Mortson: Body Design on September 26, 2024.
Biography
I’m 64 and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s January 2018 however I had motor symptoms since October 2015. I am a Personal Trainer who has spent over 23 years teaching and motivating others to get active and lead a healthy lifestyle. So, the irony of now having a chronic disease at affects my movement is not lost on me. I’m married with 3 sons and 4 grandchildren.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
In 2023, my Parkinson’s progressed very quickly to the point by Christmas I was using a walker and/or wheelchair most of my day. I had DBS surgery in January 2024. During this time when my Parkinson’s was so active, I wanted to educate people and raise awareness about this devastating disease. I went to Parkinson’s Canada support groups; I joined their Peer Mentor Program and I raised money (over $13,000) for the annual Parkinson’s Canada Superwalk in September. I was very active on my social media pages and in public about my Parkinsons. Since the recovery from my DBS surgery, I have been “giving back”. I was a guest on a Parkinson’s Canada webinar about Stress and Parkinsons, I have been a guest on 3 podcasts, I raised over $7300.00 for the Superwalk in September, and I am now a co-facilitator for the Parkinson’s Canada DBS Support Group and I’m a Peer Mentor also.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is fighting this disease with movement/exercise. I am back to running. I ran for 20 years till my Parkinson’s put a stop to that. I started running again last spring after my DBS surgery. I also strength train 3x week and do yoga. I do believe a cure will be found for Parkinson’s and that is why I advocate and raise money through the Superwalk.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I just spoke to a lady who follows me on social media, and she told me she has lost 45 lbs. since last January. She told me that if I could do what I was doing to fight Parkinson’s then she could lose weight to improve her health. I’ve had multiple people tell me I’ve inspired them to move forward with their own health goals.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I have been a Personal Trainer for over 23 years. I offer one-to-one training for people who are looking to improve their health and get moving. We also offer group fitness and yoga classes. My training sessions and classes are all one hour in length. I do not offer anything specific for people with Parkinson’s. I am not taking any new one-to-one clients now due to my Parkinson’s symptoms.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
My hope is that people are inspired to get moving and exercising (within the limits of their current physical condition). I know from my own experience that movement slows down the progression of Parkinson’s and it also helps keep people moving, mobile and can improve mood, anxiety, depression, stress, etc.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
To grow the general awareness of Parkinson’s disease so more people will be invested in finding the cause and ultimately the cure for Parkinson’s.
What events do you participate in?
I participate in two monthly support groups (a DBS group and a general support group), I am a Peer Mentor for Parkinson’s Canada and I’m going through the process of becoming a member of the Patient Advisory Council for Toronto Western Hospital’s Movement Disorder Clinic. I also participate in the Parkinson’s Canada Superwalk event. Last year, I raised over $13,000 and this year, I raised over $7300.00. I have been a guest on a Parkinson’s Canada webinar on Stress and Parkinson’s and I have been a guest on 3 podcasts.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
The money raised goes towards supports and services for caregivers through Parkinson’s Canada.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
www.bodydesign.ca, IG and FB: bodydesignbykim
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Look for opportunities to speak about your experiences and share your story (online, through national organizations, network with others involved in Parkinson’s groups)
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Telling your story – being vulnerable and not being afraid to approach people and get involved.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Create partnerships/alliances with large, national Parkinson’s organizations to share databases and spread the word. Reach out to policy makers in government to lobby for more money to be allocated to Parkinson’s or Neurological diseases in general.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Exercise, yoga, meditation, practice daily gratitude, cultivate my social network, see a Naturopath, take supplements, healthy eating practices, restrict alcohol intake
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because Parkinson’s creates a huge financial burden on our health care system which inevitably everyone pays for through their taxes. Also, chances are someone in their family or themselves will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s at some point.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease? no
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Bad to the Bone – George Thorogood
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
The 3 most important words you can say to yourself – YES, I can!