This was a conference I spoke at in 2022. I drafted this post = pictures rather than words. Meeting Jimmy Choi was inspirational amoungst others.
I am always amazed at the amazing connections made because of having Parkinson’s.
This is a Guest blog from lovely Judy who found my blog: The story started when Judy from Georgia USA, did student exchange back in the mid 70’s in Arequipa and she lived with the Guillen family. They ‘adopted ‘her into their family as their daughter.That meant she was ‘adopted into the entire extended family. She keeps in touch with Maria and her husband Diego who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s who she still keeps in touch with (names changed for their privacy)
Fast forward to December 2024:
“I messaged Gabriella to see how Juan was doing and found out that he seemed to be deteriorating quickly. I knew medical resources in Peru are limited as Maria herself sought treatment in Lima (the capital) after she was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago. Thankfully she is in remission.
I asked how he was and she said he medications didn’t seem to be helping and was frightened she was for him. No referrals were made to any specialists or support groups. She was in despair! “Que puedo hacer (What can I do)?”
Her words broke my heart. I didn’t know how to answer her, but I began to pray, asking God, “Are there resources for Parkinson’s patients in Peru?” Scrolling through the internet I found Liga Contra de Parkinson’s Arequipa first. I don’t know if the group is active, but it’s a start, I thought, a place for Maria and Diego to connect with others on this journey. My next find was a foundation for Parkinson’s education in Spanish. Resources in her language! Yes! But what appeared next on my screen was miraculous! God heard my prayer!!!! The website for Joni and Friends posted an article titled Unexpected Opportunities to Declare God’s Glory Through Parkinson’s Disease (May 30,2024) In the foreground of the photo stands a smiling, young woman against the backdrop of a city I realized I knew when my eye fell on the volcano Arequipa’s people call, El Misti. That smiling, young woman is Christine Jeyachandran. God had directed me to an individual who is walking the journey of Parkinson’s and who has lived not only in Peru, but in Arequipa!
Through reading the article I discovered that Christine writes a blog inspired by her video Handstand for Parkinson’s and it started with her Diagnosis in Peru where she went on to encourage and educate others on this journey on the essential link between exercise and management of the disease. She also makes educational videos in both English and Spanish. I sent all these mentioned resources to Maria and then took a stab in the dark by writing a comment on Christine’s blog, hoping she would respond. In a few days, she did!!!! We set up a time for a 3-way chat-Maria in Peru, Christine in Australia and me in the US. Christine opened her laptop and her memory graciously sharing resources-a doctor, a physical therapist, a support group etc. giving Maria practical help and action steps for helping Diego. Maria is entering this next phase of the journey as a caretaker with renewed hope and gratitude. We as a family are grateful for the connection God made and for the love Christine pours out on those she comes into contact with.
To God be all the glory! We are in awe of You, O God, Almighty!
Judy Hamilton January 23, 2025
Thanks Judy. What a blessing it was to meet you all. It’s not easy in Arequipa and the group stubbles along as best they can. Pray that they will have energy to support each other and find good medical resources needed.
Pictures from Judy’s time in Arequipa. Thanks for sharing
I have been working on research one night in the middle of the night as it is quiet and easier to focus and I was just about to hop into bed when I spotted a reminder for a meeting that was just about to start with the World Parkinson’s Ambassadors and Eli Pollard – executive Director.
Since moving to Australia I don’t get along to many of these international meetings as they fall at 3am Australia time. This time I was wake and I stayed for a wonderful meeting. Considering the WPC now has many ambassadors that were ambassadors who are not active ambassadors for the next conference to be held in Phoenix. They are looking at choosing the new ambassadors now… as applications have closed recently.
It has been decided that we can call ourselves Alumni WPC ambassadors as many of us are very involved in the congress ongoing but happy to let others have the opportunity to be Ambassadors for Phoennix 2026.
I need to change all my social media little by little.
I don’t usully get up fro 3am meetings … especially if I have to work the next day – but this night I made an exception.
It has been 3.5 years in the making. I became an Ambassador in February 2020 and we’ve met bi – monthly with the ambassadors ever since. So it’s surreal that the congress is finally a reality. So much work has gone into it and there are over 3000 people registered. There is still time to register and or sponsor the event so never fear.
The 6th World Parkinson Congress (WPC 2023) will be held in Barcelona, Spain from July 4 – 7, 2023. Everyone in the community who is touched by Parkinson’s, whether a researcher, physician, family member, clinician, nurse, or rehab specialist is welcome to attend the WPC 2023. World Parkinson Congresses are 100% inclusive scientific events.
WPC 2023 will be taking place at the International Barcelona Convention Center at Plaça de Willy Brandt, 11-14, Barcelona, Spain 08019. This location is convenient to the subway system and hotels that will have rooms for delegates.
Where to find me at the congress including 3 speaking opportunities:
Workshop: Reaching Underserved Communities in Latin America
Host: Christine Jeya (Australia)
Where: Support Group Leaders room is # 312. Hosted by the PMD Alliance
What: Interactive learnings about needs, challenges and strengths in Latin America. I am so excited about this session as I am making it super interactive so you can understand the needs and frustrations of living with PD in South America and also the opportunities and joys.
4. Friday 7th July 3pm UNANNOUNCED SESSION and location – I will update the details here.
5. Also my video RAY of HOPE will be shown at the beginning of a session but I don’t know when it will be. Last time the session at 9am started with the same short listed video so if you are in attendance you shouldn’t miss my video.
There is much more going on and I look forward to meeting folk in person and hope I remember names and faces. My husband David is a volunteer too and is signing up for extra volunteer sessions, bless his soul. He said they need more help!
David and I will have a few weeks holiday with family and friends in the lead up to the congress but I still have a little preparation on the side.
If you haven’t signed up for the congress it is not too late.
https://wpc2023.org/
Thanks for all your support
Christine Jeyachandran
