An interview with Martin Taylor on Parkinson’s Research Interest Group- Facebook on 2024 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I was diagnosed with PD at the age of 32 in November 2014, I’m married to Fiona since April 2014 and we have a 7 year old son named Cohen and 3 year old Daughter Lauren. Until last month I was Lead Data analyst for an investment management company.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I’m probably best ‘known’ for the Parkinson’s Research Interest Group on Facebook, which I created in 2017. It has 3,500 plus members and provides a private space for PwP and other stakeholders to discuss and share Parkinson’s research news.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
To be honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of the ‘awareness’ concept, in the context of hope for a cure, and the fact that it is necessary is a bit of a sad reflection on society, sick people should not be having to compete for attention and resources.
What events do you participate in?
I presented on the topics of advocacy and genetic research at the WPC in Kyoto Japan in 2019 and the Rallying to the Challenge Conference in Grand Rapids Michigan in the same year.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
(2) Parkinson’s Research Interest Group | Facebook
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Be open, honest, and bold.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Clarity of message and realism in aim.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Cognitive exercise is as essential as physical exercise, quite alarming how quickly my mind started to deteriorate post work until I realized this.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Possibly because the exponential growth of the disease will likely increase the likelihood of impact on them.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
My maternal grandmother may have had late onset, but it was never formally diagnosed, and she was never given levodopa
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life which song would it be?
Dry the Rain – The Beta Band
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Make the very best of your good years and spend as much quality time with family and friends as possible.