An interview with Ms. Delaware Lauren Sheldon on #PerseveringWithParkinsons, July 9, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Lauren Sheldon is a Delaware native living in a small town where her family has lived for almost 100 years. In 2016 her grandfather who was lovingly nicknamed “Bop” was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She was his primary caregiver for a year before he transitioned into long term care. He lost his battle in 2018 and Lauren decided to dedicate her time to joining the fight in ending PD. She started volunteering with the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2020 for their annual Moving Day event. She has served as the Resource Pavilion Chair and most recently as the Committee Chair. This year alone the Parkinson’s Foundation Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter.
raised over $70,000 for the local PD community! Lauren is also the current reigning National United States Delaware Ms. where her platform is called #PerseveringWithParkinsons where she uses her title to raise awareness about PD. She looks forward to many more years to come volunteering with the Parkinson’s Foundation and doing what she can to help those living with PD.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
My grandfather was diagnosed with PD in 2016 and we believe he had lived with it for much longer, but unfortunately was misdiagnosed. He lost his battle in 2018 and in memory of him I started volunteering with the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2020 to keep his legacy alive.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I have served on the Parkinson’s Foundation Southeastern Pennsylvania Moving Day Committee for the past three years. Each year we have surpassed our fundraising goals and help raise funds for the local PD community. This year the SEPA chapter raised over $75,000, our best year yet! Overall Moving Day has raised over $40 million toward PD research.
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s awareness?
My goal is to reach as many people as possible using my Instagram hashtag #PerseveringWithParkinsons to help raise awareness about PD in hopes no one else goes undiagnosed like my grandfather did.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
I would like to raise $1,000 for the 2024 SEPA Moving Day in memory of my grandfather.
What events do you participate in?
Moving Day with the Parkinson’s Foundation
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Moving Day offers free resources and local services for family members and caregivers of those living with PD.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
You may get in contact with me via Instagram @nusdelawarems
Follow the #PerseveringwithParkinsons
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.