An interview with Thomas Cosentino Ambassador of the Davis Phinney Foundation on Advocacy on July 6, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
In June 2015 my younger brother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Unfortunately, it was bad, and it had spread to other parts of his body. I was fortunate enough to be there when he finally passed. Some point that day I started having tremors in my left arm. After a week or so, when the tremors weren’t stopping, I spoke with my primary care physician, who thought that I may have Parkinson’s. He suggested that I go to the local hospital’s emergency room because they can run tests that he wasn’t able to do.
Initially, I was diagnosed with a pinched nerve and essential tremor. After a couple months with the physical therapist, we both concluded that this was not a pinched nerve. I want to see a neurologist, who diagnosed me with Parkinson’s.
I was able to work the first four years of my diagnosis. The stress of my job got to the point that my Parkinson’s was out of control, and I had to step down from my position and ultimately went on long-term disability.
Today I am an ambassador with the Davis Phinney foundation. I have taken the last eight years of my life and try to turn into something meaningful by helping others.
The Davis Phinney Foundation
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, designated by the Internal Revenue Code. We have reached hundreds of thousands of people with practical tools and resources focused on helping people with Parkinson’s improve their quality of life. Until there is a cure for Parkinson’s, we’ll continue to lead the way in quality-of-life resources by bringing innovative programs and research to life. We provide information, inspiration, and tools to help people with Parkinson’s live well today.
See more @ https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/faq/
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. I continued to work at that time until 2019 when I essentially lost my job because of Parkinson’s. At that point I started getting more involved with some Support groups. As I got to know these individuals, I came to have a great amount of respect for them, and how they dealt with Parkinson’s, and how they looked at the world. I felt the need to do something.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
As an Ambassador with the Davis Phinney Foundation, I try to help educate newly diagnosed Parkinson patients. I’m also part of three support groups and I see myself as an influencer for those who need more information on Perkins. I have also done some work with the Michael J Fox foundation discussing these issues with our US senators and congress person.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I have not done much with the hope for a cure. I try to help work in the present.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
The goal varies from person to person. I try to teach them when I call the poor pillars. Find a great MDO, support group, exercise, and diet.
What type of training and how long are the programs offered by the Davis Phinney Foundation?
See https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/events/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Our community events partner with members of our Healthy Parkinson’s Communities™ network and are aimed at raising awareness, improving Parkinson’s health literacy, showcasing Parkinson’s resources, increasing volunteerism, and fostering connection.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Have fun and fundraise at one of these upcoming events with Team DPF, our grassroots fundraising community that raises money to help people with Parkinson’s live well today.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I let them know that there’s people out there just like that and that you are not Parkinson’s. You just happen to be a person with Parkinson’s. Also, I try to give them the Broadview of what’s happening so they can fit better deal with
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
I am working on some power points, which offer simple explanations of how to live better with Parkinson’s.
What events do you participate in?
I try to attend all local, supposed hymns, and Parkinson’s and Participate in three support groups.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
If you can teach someone with Parkinson’s How to live a better life that takes a tremendous amount of pressure off the caregiver. I think we tend to forget the role of the caregiver with Parkinson’s.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/ 1-866-358-0285 contact@dpf.org
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
I’m not Parkinson’s. This is a hard road. We travel so we must find ways of living the best life we can today. At the end of the day don’t let Parkinson’s dictate who you are.