Through the Changing the Tune of Parkinson’s Disease campaign one can learn a world of information about the disease and help those navigating Parkinson’s. Kimberly is now helping many to advocate for their health and voice in their health journey.
On May 25, Kimberly will have the opportunity to speak at the World Parkinson’s Congress in Phoenix. As someone who witnessed Parkinson’s disease firsthand with the diagnosis of her mother, Kimberly encourages many to be open and detailed when discussing their symptoms. She emphasizes that any change, no matter how small, is always important to share as they could be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
The Knockturnal sat down with Schlapman, where she expressed why communication is important with your doctor. The more details a patient can share, the better doctors can develop a care plan that works best for them. She highlighted and painted the journey of what a patient and caregiver go through when navigating this disease.
The disease not only affects the patients but affects their surrounding environment like their families and loved ones. When asked, “What have you witnessed in your experience that a patient or caregiver might not know or be familiar with when it comes to dealing with Parkinson’s?,” Schlapman responded, “We’ve learned over the 21 years that my mother’s been diagnosed that if we advocate for her, then her care is better.”
Schlapman shared that one thing her family has done that’s been crucial to her mother’s care is that she always has one of her family members at her doctor’s appointments with her.
She proudly mentioned, “I was at my mother’s neurology appointment with her this morning. So it’s either myself, my sister or my brother, my dad, sometimes as well. We want to be there to support her, but also to offer to the doctor what we’ve seen, what changes we’ve noticed, what medicine might be working, what medicine might not be working.”
Showing up for your loved one, like Schlapman and her family are doing for her mother makes individuals with the disease not feel alone.
She said with pride, “ She’s not in this disease alone. We’re in it as a family.”
This same message Schlapman expresses is the same message Changing the Tune of Parkinson’s Disease is all about – you’re not alone in this disease.
As both a working mother and a daughter Schlapman’s view of family support has evolved through witnessing her mom’s journey with the disease. She reflected on everything her mother has done to her family as both a parent and a teacher – showing up early, being present for students and children and continuing to word hard. Even now, she goes beyond what her physical therapy requires, consistently pushing herself.
Seeing her mother support their family over the years has made a lasting impact on Schlapman. She stated it is now meaningful to be able to return that support and stand up for her mother as she remains fighting and navigating Parkinson’s.
From her mother taking care of her and the family to them now taking care of their mother, their relationship has evolved during her health journey.
(Photo Courtesy: Changing the Tune of PD)
Many Americans are living with Parkinson’s today and can feel isolated when dealing with the disease. Schlapman stressed the importance of supporting and understanding the disease so that those living with the disease or loving someone living with the disease always have someone on their side during their journey.
In her words, it is best to never push off a symptom or feeling, and it’s best to always speak up about it.
Not only is Kimberly Schlapman a three-time Grammy-winning artist who advocates for Parkinson’s disease through her mothers experience and awareness efforts but she also believes support can come through comfort and joy. As a talented and passionate cook with her own cookbook, Schlapman highlights food as a powerful source of warmth and healing, especially during difficult times.
When asked, “If you could prepare a few meals for families that are navigating this difficult journey with Parkinson’s disease, what dishes would you love to recommend or make for them and why ?”, she responded, “I would make chicken and dumplings to make someone feel better. And a good biscuit goes a long way.”
Her mom taught her that cooking is one way you can really love on people by cooking for them.
A beautiful way to help support someone who may come into your life with Parkinson’s is to learn more about the disease and its challenges and complexities through the campaign website. Through this first step Schlapman believes we can create voices of change for future patients and caregivers.
