Thomas McCallum from Radio Parkies & Shaky Radio

An interview with Thomas McCallum from Radio Parkies & Shaky Radio July 18, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.

Biography

Diagnosed in 2017, a singer songwriter by night Gardener by day.

Lived and worked in Glasgow my whole life. I have 2 grown up children and a great crew of friends who support me. I am currently recording my 2nd album or first, post diagnosis.

I am having to find ways around recording as my ability to play my guitar is nonexistent. However, I am undaunted, and I will get there.

I am a radio presenter for radio parkies and shaky radio. Where i help to use my platform to raise awareness of YOPD

Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.

I became involved with raising awareness due to the fact when I was first diagnosed, I started blogging and it seemed to have a 2-fold impact it gave me something to focus on and it helped others who were being newly diagnosed.

Can you tell me more about your advocacy?

My advocacy is simple to try bringing as much info to what is available for parkies to help with daily living and quality of life.

What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?

My personal passion is music. I learned that I could use this to highlight important info by using my music.

What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s awareness have when working with you?

I think most of what I do is more of a quality of life by providing a listening service of radio music and info.

What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s awareness?

I believe it can bring some much-needed entertainment mixed with useful info on what is happening in the Parkinson community.

What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?

I would like to see a worldwide network of information on Parkinson’s services a full range from physical support to mental health a little ambitious. I really do think that we have so much tech available at our fingertips it’s a good platform to try.

What events do you participate in?

Wherever possible I attend local events and report on the day and what stories there are.

How does this also assist the caregivers?

It provides info on a lot of services and events that are happening just now.

How can someone get in touch? What is your website?

You can get in touch with me at www.thomascmccallum.com

If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?

Of course, the main aim is to find a cure. I know this may take some time but for now I really want to do what I do to enhance the quality of life until we do find that cure.

Radio Parkies & Shaky Radio

Radio Parkies

OBJECTIVE:

Give a voice to People who must deal with

Parkinson’s disease and provide general information.

Whether you are a patient, caregiver or research scientist, everyone is welcome here in the interest of the patient.

How:

Through this website and our radio broadcasts.

We try to do this across language and country barriers.

The disease does not stop at the border!

Questions and information are welcome by

email: radioparkies@gmail.com or https://www.radioparkies.com/