An interview with Laura Robbins on Advocacy on July 29, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I am a 46-year-old attorney from State College, Pennsylvania. I own a law firm called Laura Robbins Law, LLC and am president of a real estate LLC. I also play the piano at my local church as a part-time job. I love music, writing, and especially travel and adventure. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 42. I am a divorced mother of three – two bios, and one son I adopted when he was nine years old after my divorce.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I like being an advocate for Parkinson’s because there are too few of them. When there are too few advocates, it leaves people with the notion that Parkinson’s is a ‘death sentence’ when it is not. It is simply another way our bodies age, and we can still live and thrive with it. The more people that hear this message, the better.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
I started a Parkinson’s support group in central Pennsylvania, and this September, I will be speaking at another support group in the area as a guest speaker.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I have many passions. I love travel, being a mother, and being an advocate in general. I do truly hope for a cure, but more than that, I am excited at how far Parkinson’s management has come. We are living longer and living better.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s awareness have when working with you?
I wouldn’t say people work with me one on one with Parkinson’s. I would just say that I’m here for support and will continue to serve the Parkinson’s community whenever asked.
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s awareness?
I want to give hope and inspiration to others with Parkinson’s, so that they continue living their best lives.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
I honestly love speaking and serving the Parkinson’s community by giving others a safe space to be themselves.
What events do you participate in?
So far, I’ve only participated in my own support group and the upcoming speaking opportunity at the other Parkinson’s support group. However, I hear there is a mountain trip every November out west for people with Parkinson’s, and I hope to join that adventure in 2024.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caring for someone with a Parkinson’s diagnosis I imagine can be very challenging. I ‘challenge’ caregivers to challenge their Parkinson’s sufferer to reach outside of their comfort zone and still enjoy their lives together.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Someone can text me at 717-810-6942.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson community, what would it be?
You are still you.