An interview with Todd Shoemaker: The Blessed Overcomer on October 12, 2024.
Biography
Born and raised in West Palm Beach. Graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Worked 25 years in Juvenile Justice. Married 25 years. Reside in West Palm Beach. Completed 350 marathons. I turned my many hospital visits into an opportunity to encourage others walking through medical challenges. Modern-day abolitionist to fight human trafficking. Racial Equity Activist. One of the highlights of our journey was to have met Jimmy Carter when he taught Sunday School.
Author of two books:
- The Blessed Overcomer, Crazy Beautiful Journey.
- Today’s a New Day!: Thought of a dead man running.
Documentary: The Blessed Overcomer, the Todd Shoemaker Story
Diagnosis:
- Parkinson’s,
- Myasthenia Gravis,
- Gastroparesis
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Overcame cancer diagnosis in 2003.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
Share through social media. Use own personal story to share about Parkinson’s and how it affects me, and Laura and me as a couple. Share how Parkinson’s affects me on daily basis and research. It affects me as it slows my movements, cognitive skills, health issues forced me to give up running and marathons.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Using social media as a tool and when running, used as awareness, still use running stories as a tool to share awareness.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
Hopefully, it can encourage others to set goals for themselves.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
In the past, assisted people coaching through running
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Encourage them that it isn’t their identity, it is a part of life, not who they are.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I would like to help people understand it is not just a disease of older people but can affect others in the prime of their life. We can work together to find a cure.
What events do you participate in?
Different Michael J. Fox challenges and walks. Walk for Parkinson Foundation.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Helps educate caregivers to be more informed and updated on current research and allows them to experience the larger community of caregivers and support.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
TheBlessedOvercomer.org
Facebook @ToddOCShoemaker
Toddeshoemaker@gmail.com
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Educate self and ask questions – don’t be afraid to ask questions with those having Parkinson’s. Join different organizations that help educate and support people with Parkinson’s.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Be open and honest about your diagnosis. Find and take steps to educate self in every area that you can.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Use social media as a tool, getting community support of awareness to help the cause.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Writing, socially engage with family and friends in person, text, zoom, phone calls. Enjoy walks in nature, get fresh air daily.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
At any moment your life could be affected or a loved one affected by Parkinson’s. We certainly didn’t think we would be affected. No one in my family was affected prior to my diagnosis.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease? No, no family members have it
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Don’t Stop Believing
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
When you find your purpose in your Parkinson’s battle, you find your peace.