Episode 5 Meet Ian Robertson Living with Parkinson's Positively Inspiring Others

Visionary Caregivers Show with Katherine Autin

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Katherine Autin introduces you to Ian Robertson from Broderick, Saskatchewan, a person living with Parkinson's disease since his 2012 diagnosis, who intentionally has a positive attitude having fun with music and exercise to guide him in his mantra of power affirmations. Everyone who listens to Ian's gleeful attitude can't help but laugh and crack a big smile with him as he explains how he bounces a ball while exercising and singing to the songs he loves. You will love visiting his website, viewing his great exercise videos and reading his thought-provoking descriptions about his symptoms at https://parkinsonsmysuperpower.ca, aka: the human vibrator. One of Ian's symptoms is a fairly constant tremor and sometimes dyskinesia, except when the medications work. Listen to him talk about how he deals with the fact that the medication turns on and off without notice. He just keeps going through it all, adjusting his plans as needed! He says that he feels blessed to have been in the sports world for so many years. Be inspired, laugh, smile, and learn about his power affirmations that tell him he had a pretty good day: when he laughs, exercises, and socializes. If you would like to connect with Ian, you can email him at [email protected]. I know you will enjoy his happy attitude about his life, so contagious!
Katherine is a visionary 42-year entrepreneur and 24/7 caregiver for her husband who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease more than 20 years ago. They know now he has had symptoms more than 46 years. She is a Parkinson's Expert and Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) Consultant guiding people with Parkinson's and caregivers through complex journeys with her company, Parkinson Partners, https://parkinsonpartners.com. Connect with Katherine at [email protected], 502-314-8307.
When David was diagnosed Katherine was a 22-year visionary woman entrepreneur as a jewelry designer, manufacturer, and selling globally to gift and jewelry stores globally. Within a month of David's diagnosis, Katherine volunteered to run Parkinson's support groups at the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana (PSCKY), served on their Board of Directors and led education programs. Over time, she became a Parkinson's Expert, known as the "Parkinson's Lady" and in 2018, she became one of the first 149 to be recognized nationally in the United States as a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA). For more than 20 years Katherine has helped to guide hundreds of people living with Parkinson's and their caregivers through very difficult journeys.
Her book, My Unexpected Caregiving Detour: Becoming a Parkinson's Expert & Patient Advocate the Hard Way shares her ongoing 20+ year journey as a caregiver. Check for upcoming podcast episodes that will take excerpts from her book.
Katherine's passion is empowering those living with life-altering conditions and caregivers globally through her Visionary Caregivers programs like her Patient Advocate Training for Caregivers that is a six-month online training beginning February 10th (check it out and register for the early bird discount of $30 at https://visionarycaregivers.com/patient-advocate-training-page) and with her podcast. Episodes offer you:

• Her personal story as she shares stories from her book, An Unexpected Caregiving Detour: Becoming a Parkinson's Expert & Patient Advocate the Hard Way
• Introductions to creative and innovative guests who offer caregivers amazing and inspiring products
• Interviews with caregivers and people living with chronic conditions
• Experts speaking about helpful critical information we all need to know as caregivers

ENJOY LISTENING! Check back for more great episodes.