This Is Bigger Than Awareness — This Is What I’m Working Toward

 People often ask me why I care so deeply about neurological advocacy, movement disorders, and Parkinson’s disease or how I got so involved.  

The answer is simple:

Because this work is personal to me.

I was diagnosed with Essential Tremor at 13 years old, although my symptoms were noticed much earlier in childhood. Over time, I also developed Cervical Dystonia — neurological movement disorders that shaped the way I experienced confidence, social situations, public speaking, movement, and even my own identity growing up.

Living with a movement disorder changes the way you move through the world — physically and emotionally.

You become hyper-aware of things most people never think twice about. The way you hold a cup. The way you sign your name. The way people look at you when your body moves differently. The pressure to appear unaffected. The quiet exhaustion that comes from trying to explain something many people don’t fully understand.

But somewhere along the way, what once felt isolating slowly became purposeful.

Today, I serve as Vice President of the National Parkinsons Institute, where I have the privilege of working directly alongside individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease every single day.

And this is not work that happens from a distance.

We are in the gyms.
The support groups.
The dance classes.
The educational seminars.
The community events.
The hard conversations after diagnosis.
The moments where people feel scared, overwhelmed, isolated, or uncertain about what comes next.

That human connection is what fuels me.

Because Parkinson’s is not just a diagnosis. It impacts families, relationships, confidence, careers, independence, and mental health. And too often, people navigating neurological disorders feel like they have to do it alone.

That’s exactly what we are trying to change.

At NPI, we are working toward something much bigger than simply offering programs.

We are working toward building a future where neurological care becomes more connected, accessible, community-driven, and centered around quality of life.

A future where movement-based wellness programs are viewed as essential, not optional.
Where support groups and mental health matter just as much as clinical care.
Where caregivers are supported too.
Where people have access to education, movement specialists, and community resources regardless of financial barriers.

And ultimately, we are working toward building a state-of-the-art neurological health campus and headquarters right here in Louisville — a place designed to bring together wellness, education, advocacy, rehabilitation, support services, research, and community under one roof.

Not because we think Louisville should simply participate in the conversation surrounding Parkinson’s disease.

But because we believe Louisville can help lead it.

Every fundraiser, every support group, every awareness campaign, every class, every partnership, and every difficult conversation is part of something larger we are trying to build.

A future where people living with neurological disorders feel seen instead of overlooked.
Supported instead of isolated.
Empowered instead of defined by diagnosis.

That’s why Shaking Up Awareness exists.

Because awareness alone is no longer enough for me.

I want understanding.
I want innovation.
I want accessibility.
I want community.
And I want people living with neurological disorders to know that their lives still hold purpose, identity, strength, and possibility beyond diagnosis.

This work is deeply personal to me.

And we are only getting started.