Podcast Summary
Emma Lawton's Journey: Despite facing numerous health challenges, Emma Lawton continued to work, advocate for better understanding of people with Parkinson's, and start her own events company after being diagnosed at 29.
Key takeaway from this episode of Movers and Shakers, a podcast about living with Parkinson's, is the inspiring story of Emma Lawton. Diagnosed with Parkinson's at just 29, Emma has faced numerous health challenges, including a major operation on her spine. Yet, she has continued to work, first as a creative director for a design agency, then for Parkinson's UK, and even started her own events company. Throughout, she has been an advocate for better understanding of people with Parkinson's, speaking at conferences, giving TED talks, and appearing on TV. Before her diagnosis, Emma had a fairly average life, but it became clearer to her after the diagnosis. She grew up in a creative household in Bedfordshire and studied graphic design in university. Her parents' encouragement of her creativity led her to pursue a career in design. Emma was not aware of any Parkinson's in her family, but her father has a degenerative condition in his eyes. Despite her diagnosis, her eyes are fine, and she has only recently started wearing glasses.
Young age diagnosis of Parkinson's: Accepting diagnosis and taking control of life despite emotional turmoil is crucial for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's at a young age.
Getting diagnosed with a serious condition like Parkinson's at a young age can be shocking and overwhelming, but it's important to remember that it's not the end. The individual in this story was initially hesitant to seek medical help, but her parents' encouragement and the realization that she was letting her condition hold her back led her to accept her diagnosis and take control of her life. Despite the initial emotional turmoil, she came to understand that Parkinson's would not define her and that she could continue to live a fulfilling life with the right attitude and support. It's also important to note that conditions like Parkinson's can affect people of all ages, and it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
Managing Life's Challenges with Parkinson's: Maintaining independence and a supportive network are crucial for managing life's challenges, especially when dealing with a diagnosis like Parkinson's. Being open about the condition and educating others can help avoid pity and misunderstanding.
Having a supportive network and maintaining independence are crucial for managing life's challenges, especially when dealing with a diagnosis like Parkinson's, which can bring about feelings of depression and uncertainty. The speaker shares her experience of moving out of her parents' home to gain independence and learning to cope with the early onset of Parkinson's disease. She emphasizes the importance of being open about her condition and educating others to avoid pity and misunderstanding. The speaker also highlights the unexpected reactions from friends and colleagues, some of whom felt they too could develop the condition due to its association with the speaker. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of self-advocacy, acceptance, and the power of education in dealing with the challenges of a life-altering diagnosis.
Embracing differences: Honesty and authenticity are crucial for personal growth and healthy relationships, even if it means potential rejection. Open communication and understanding are essential in both personal and professional settings.
Accepting and embracing one's differences, whether it's a physical condition like Parkinson's or a unique personality trait, is essential for personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships. Emma, a graphics artist with Parkinson's, shared her experiences of being treated normally by her friends despite her condition and how she openly disclosed it on her dating profile. She emphasized the importance of honesty and authenticity, even if it means potential rejection. At work, Emma was fortunate to be in a creative director role before her diagnosis, which allowed her to focus on the strategic side of her job instead of the hands-on work. However, when her boss wanted to eliminate the design team, her Parkinson's diagnosis was used as a reason. Emma's story highlights the importance of open communication and understanding in both personal and professional settings. Additionally, Emma's use of medication, such as the Medtronic Infusaport, has been a game-changer for her, allowing her to maintain focus and manage her symptoms effectively. Despite the challenges she's faced, Emma remains optimistic and continues to live her life to the fullest.
New Opportunities, Passion Discovery: Exploring new opportunities and challenging oneself can lead to discovering hidden passions and overcoming adversity, as demonstrated by the interviewee's journey into stand-up comedy and technological innovation for Parkinson's patients.
Even in the face of adversity, such as a Parkinson's diagnosis and losing a job, it's important to explore new opportunities and challenge oneself. The interviewee did this through creating a "fucket list" and trying new things every day, which led her to discovering her passion for stand-up comedy. Her determination and resilience were rewarded when she won a comedy competition. Additionally, she made a significant impact through her work on a BBC TV program called "The Big Life Fix," where she collaborated with Microsoft to create a bespoke watch that helped her write and draw despite her tremors. Although the project didn't progress further due to the complexities of R&D and her changing needs, it showcased the potential for technology to assist individuals with Parkinson's and inspired ongoing research in this area.
Perseverance in Business with Parkinson's: Despite the challenges of living with a chronic condition like Parkinson's, determination and resilience can help individuals continue working and building a business.
Living with a chronic condition like Parkinson's can lead to neglected areas of one's life, but with determination and resilience, it's possible to continue working and building a business despite the challenges. The interviewee shares her experience of having been diagnosed at a young age and the physical struggles she faced, including a debilitating neck condition that required an unprecedented surgical procedure. Despite these challenges, she remained stubbornly committed to her work and started her business during that time. She also acknowledges the impact of her condition on her relationships but expresses few regrets in her life. Overall, her story serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Appearance and Isolation: Appearance can lead to isolation, even if the issue is considered cosmetic, and prioritizing well-being and making difficult decisions can lead to life-changing improvements
Appearance can significantly impact one's quality of life and ability to connect with others, even if the issue is considered cosmetic. The speaker, despite having a successful career and giving numerous talks, felt isolated due to a neck condition that prevented her from making eye contact. She eventually underwent a risky surgery to correct the issue, which was initially considered cosmetic but turned out to be life-changing. The experience taught her that it's essential to prioritize one's well-being and make difficult decisions when necessary, even if the outcome is uncertain. The speaker's story underscores the importance of empathy and effective communication, as well as the resilience and determination required to overcome significant challenges.
Young Women and Parkinson's Disease: Young women with Parkinson's disease face unique challenges, including societal perceptions and physical symptoms. Empathy, resilience, and community are essential for navigating the complexities of living with a chronic condition.
Living with Parkinson's disease at a young age presents unique challenges, including physical symptoms and societal perceptions. Emi and Gillian, both diagnosed over a decade ago, have had vastly different experiences due to the location and progression of their symptoms. They've faced insensitivity and indifference from strangers, but also encountered compassionate individuals who offer understanding and assistance. The line between pity and sympathy can be thin, and while the former can be unwelcome, the latter is essential for emotional support. Emi and Gillian emphasized the importance of being taken seriously and not being defined by their diagnosis. They also highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about young women and Parkinson's disease. Overall, their stories underscore the importance of empathy, resilience, and community in navigating the complexities of living with a chronic condition.
Living with chronic conditions: Stay positive, stay active, and stay determined to live life to the fullest despite the challenges of chronic conditions, with the support of a loving family and community.
Living with a chronic condition like Parkinson's disease requires a unique approach tailored to each individual. The speaker shares her experience of feeling misunderstood by some healthcare professionals and appreciates those who understand her desire to live an active life. She emphasizes the importance of positivity and having a supportive family and community. While there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, the speaker encourages staying stubborn and determined to live life to the fullest every day, as the condition is degenerative and may become harder to do things over time. The speaker also acknowledges the physical and emotional challenges of the condition, but chooses to focus on the positive aspects and the importance of staying active. Overall, her message is to embrace the uniqueness of each person's experience with chronic conditions and to find ways to live a fulfilling life despite the challenges.
Breaking down challenges: Overwhelming challenges can be tackled by breaking them down into smaller, manageable problems, finding meaning and positivity in the journey.
Learning from this episode of Movers and Shakers, a podcast about living with Parkinson's, is the importance of breaking down overwhelming challenges into smaller, manageable problems. The guest, Emma Lawton, shared her personal experience with Parkinson's and how she copes by focusing on the present and tackling each issue as it comes. By doing so, she finds meaning and positivity in her journey. This approach can be applied to any situation, not just living with Parkinson's. Remember, no matter how big the challenge, it can be overcome by taking it one step at a time. For more information, visit www.mooversandshakerspodcast.com or email feedback@moversandshakerspodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated on new episodes.