Many people know that Parkinson’s affects twice as many men as women. But did you know that their clinical features, their progression, and the way they experience living with PD is also different? For this special virtual event APDA Northwest Chapter will convene a panel of two men and two women, all living with Parkinson’s disease, for a lively discussion about gender differences in Parkinson’s. Panelists will share their experiences and how they have become advocates for their own health. Each will share their favorite tips on working with their healthcare team to maximize quality of life. Register now for this free American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) webinar, taking place on February 23, 10:30am PT.
About the panelists:
Dr. Maria De Leon (aka The Parkinson’s Diva) brings her vibrant and unique perspective to this topic as Maria is both a person living with Parkinson’s and a trained movement disorder neurologist. She is the author of the first-ever book addressing women’s issues in Parkinson’s titled “Parkinson’s Diva: A Woman’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease” and its companion book “Parkinson’s Diva: Hello Possibilities!”
Kat Hill (she/her) is a co-founder of the Women’s Parkinson’s Project. She was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease after delivering over 800 babies in her career as a Nurse Practitioner and Midwife. After ending her practice, she has learned to build a life based on the principles of gratitude and joy, not only for peace of mind but also as a fundamental building block in how to live life. She has spoken around the world and her first book, titled “Being Well” will be published this summer.
Larry Gifford (he/him) President and co-founder of PD Avengers, a global alliance united to the cause of ending Parkinson’s. He was diagnosed with PD in 2017. Larry hosts the podcast “When Life Gives You Parkinson’s,” which details his journey with the disease. Additionally, he’s a member of the Michael J Fox Foundation Patient Council, an Ambassador for the 2023 World Parkinson Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and a member of the Editorial Board for Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. Larry has worked in radio for more than 30 years and currently is National Director of Talk Radio for Corus Entertainment in Canada.
Jeff Lasley (he/him) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 and continued to work as a Broadcast Traffic Manager until retiring in 2020. He facilitates a Young Onset Parkinson’s support group for Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, and lives in Portland, where he enjoys riding his tandem bike and paddling canoes with his wife, Sue.
About the moderator:
Shannon Anderson, M.P.A.S, PA-C (she/her) is a physician assistant and the associate director of clinical operations at the Parkinson Center of Oregon. She is the Deep Brain Stimulation program clinical coordinator and runs the Newly Diagnosed Workshop for patients with Parkinson’s disease. She is also an assistant professor in the department of neurology and a faculty member at the OHSU Physician Assistant school teaching first year PA students during the didactic year, and precepting second year PA students during their clinical rotations. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter.
Update, March 2022: See our notes from this webinar.