An interview with Michelle Garratt- wife, mother, teacher, singer, adventurer, writer and more: Focus on What CAN I DO versus What I can’t on September 24, 2024.
Biography:
Born April 14, 1965, at Camp Pendleton Marine Base, Oceanside, California
When people ask me where I am from all over the USA. My dad was a Marine, served 2 tours in Vietnam and worked his way up in the airline industry to V.P. of United AL then on to selling commercial aircraft. We moved a lot. I was “The New Kid.”
My parents were married 26 years then divorced in 1988. I have two younger sisters: Suzy (AZ) and Stephanie (WA). My dad remarried in 1989. His wife is Linda.
My husband Dan and I met in Newport Beach, California in 1989 and married in 1990. We have three grown children, Corin (33), Hayden (28) and Harrison (25). We are empty nesters now with no grandchildren… YET. We have a spoiled silver lab named Blue, a winny cat named Cozy and play farmers as we live in a farmhouse on 13 acres with 2 horses and beautiful views all around us. It’s my sanctuary.
My parents both grew up primarily in Miami, Florida. My mom comes from a BIG family, most of whom live up and down the east coast. We visited Florida every year while growing up (Airfare was FREE).
My dad and I both have Parkinson’s Disease. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC for training while I was in utero during that time. I am taking part in the Class Action Lawsuit.
I studied and got my BA in Communications and Public Relations at Chapman University. I received a Music/Vocal scholarship.
My career was primarily in Public Relations and Sales Promotion for Nordstrom, then I switched to teaching once my children started school. I went from a substitute to a full-time teacher of all ages. Once we moved to Oregon, I taught music at NIKE HQ and then finished up at a local preschool. I retired early due to PD in 2018.
Currently, I volunteer for several PD organizations. I also have been leading Singalongs for PD for 5 years now through PRO.
Please tell me a little about your background:
I am going to approach this question from both a personal and professional lens. I grew up in a family of great story tellers and book readers. My grandpa was the best scary storyteller. He’d have my cousins, and I circled around him leaning in on every word. My mom Carolyn, his daughter, took it to a whole new level. My cousins still to this day ask her to tell stories from her childhood. It never gets old. My dad was always reading, whether newspapers (remember those), huge novels mostly about US history and politics. This led me to find comfort, inspiration and escape in books, theater, stories I wrote and continue to do so.
I wrote professionally for Nordstrom, Macy’s, edited too many resumes, cover letters, term papers for friends. I later began co-writing curriculum for Nike Child Development Center and a private preschool over a period of 10 years. It was fulfilling.
Once diagnosed, my creative juices really began to flow. I wrote a children’s book, illustrated by my sister called “Calm Down Paulie Bear.” We have sold 300 copies so far by word of mouth. I have not been published… YET.
I was asked by my dad to edit his business plans which led to helping my college buddy in the film industry with his business plans, then to editing his screenplays. Finally, I got the wild idea to write my own screenplay. I just completed 90 pages of a comedy/horror. In the meantime, I wrote several songs, poems, essays on various themes. I am so grateful to have this outlet since I am no longer working. I call my writing time “MY PLAYGROUND.”
I will be forever grateful to my parents for introducing me to books and stories. It has been a huge part of my life’s joy.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
- I am a peer mentor for Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO). When someone is newly diagnosed, I am one of the people they can call.
- I am one of the WPC Buddies Program Coordinators (2023 Barcelona and coming up 2026 Phoenix).
- I am on the Program Advisory Council (PAC) for Brian Grant Foundation.
- I am on the Oregon Health and Science University OHSU Parkinson’s Program Park PAC Council.
- Sign petitions to the White House and Congress as part of MJF Foundation – I have signed every one so far and will continue to do so.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is centered around my family, faith, music, writing, laughter, lifting people up, outdoor adventures, food, contributing to meaningful causes and living each day to the fullest.
When I was diagnosed with PD, right away I decided to get involved. I am not one to sit on the bench. “Put me in, coach!”
I signed up for an OHSU research study and to date I have participated in 15 studies two of which are ongoing: University of Rochester (3-year study) and OHSU Balance and Gait (2 year study).
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I do not lead any advocacy program but the ones I mentioned above vary in time commitments.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
My advocacy comes in participation and open discussions. I hope when someone with PD meets me they walk away inspired to get involved. I always stress the importance of participation on whatever level they can as without PWP how do the different organizations know firsthand how to benefit the community. Perhaps most importantly, if PWP don’t say YES to involvement in research, we will NOT find a cure. It is super important that we get involved.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
This may seem strange but BALANCE. Honestly, as I am in the classification of YOPD, that makes me more viable for participation. I tend to get overinvolved. This can lead to fatigue and burn out. With PD there’s a delicate balance. Referring to my daughter’s wisdom, “I am not Parkinson’s.” Every waking moment cannot be all about Parkinson’s when there are other things to live for and do.
Open sharing on my participation with the Camp Lejeune Class Action lawsuit.
MJF Foundation petitions to the White House/Congress… Always!
What events do you participate in?
WPC 2023 and upcoming 2026
Sole Support For Parkinson’s – Annual walk raising funds and awareness for PRO
Brian Grant Foundation – ALL public events including annual Gala.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
My husband is the love of my life, my best friend, life coach and we are reluctant to use the term “caregiver. ” I suppose “care partner” is better.
I am not alone in this. On March 23, 2015, when we were in the neurology office upon hearing the words, “You have Parkinson’s” he immediately said, “We’ve got this”… “Look at me.” “We’ve got this.” Every day since, he proves that we are in this together.
My husband Dan was the one who sought out local PD organizations and exercise programs. He signed us up for our first Sole Support for PD walk in 2015. I didn’t want to go. He thought it would be good for us. It turns out, he was right as it was exactly what I needed.
Dan is involved in the WPC Buddies Program and Brian Grant Foundation PAC Council.
He is known to dress up in costume at various events. He was Elvis Presley for last weekend’s walk. The laughter, smiles and hugs he shared will be forever in my memory.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
They can email me at mlgarratt5@gmail.com
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
I personally recommend starting out locally. Find the local Parkinson’s support group in your area. They may be affiliated with Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation, Davis Phinney Foundation and Brian Grant Foundation to name a few. It’s best to get involved where you can connect in your community as personal connections mean so much. If that is not available to you, by all means go to the above-mentioned list as they will take this journey with you wherever you are.
If you could add any questions to this interview that you may want others to learn about, what would the question(s) be?
Who are the members of your PD team? If you don’t have a team, I highly recommend building one. These members should include all or most of the following:(there may be some I’ve left out)
- Care Partner
- Neurologist
- General Practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapist
- Massage Therapist
- Counselor
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Showing up – get involved within your means. This may change as your condition progresses. Not every organization is a fit. Realistically, you have to care for YOU first then do what is within your ability. You will feel fulfilled and better informed when you participate.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
For me personally, I need to be comfortable telling people why we need the funds. If we don’t have the money, there will be no research. Without research, there is no cure. Plain and simple (but it’s not).
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
- Daily yoga – morning
- Daily Cardio – 30 minutes
- Gardening
- Hikes with my husband and dog
- Dancing for fun
- Singing
- Writing books, screen plays, poems
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
It should concern everyone that as the global population ages, the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, is fast increasing. Parkinson’s is the fastest growing of all neurodegenerative disorders across the globe. This increase will have an effect on medical resources, medicine and the need for more care providers. This puts a strain on everyone. Besides, families will more and more have a loved one or loved ones with these conditions. No one should wish this debilitating disease on anyone.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, my father was diagnosed in 2010. He receives 24/7 home care.
My uncle on my mom’s side died due to Parkinson’s 5 years ago.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell (I recently recorded myself singing it for my children)
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Live BIG, Love BIG, Laugh BIG, Dance BIG, Sing BIG… while you can.