While they may exist on opposite sides of the medical intake clipboard, Dr Shah’s and Mrs. Coley’s experiences dovetailed together to beautifully weave “The PD Movers – WE KEEP MOVING”. This book not only educates on Parkinson’s Disease, but it focuses on the humanity and triumphs of African American and Black Parkinson’s patients. Dr. Shah’s and Mrs. Coley’s focus on humanity did not go unnoticed as both their approaches centered on using holistic methods – practicing patience, humility, and authenticity to build connections. These connections then allowed them to build trust in under-engaged communities. Even as a neurologist Dr Shah practices this philosophy; neurodegenerative disease affects both the mind and body, so patients must be seen as a whole person. “The PD Movers” develops on this outlook: Dr Shah and Mrs. Coley hopes that, by leveraging stories, that they can ultimately humanize Parkinson’s patients.
At Your Service, in a similar vein, hopes to use narratives in the form of storybooks to preserve the legacies of the Huntington’s patients at Terence Cardinal Cooke. If you are interested in this project, please reach out! You do not need to be a volunteer to help with our project or to come to our sessions!
Denise Coley is a person with Parkinson's Disease who has worked to increase Parkinson's Disease awareness and education in under engaged communities. She serves on numerous boards and committees of Parkinson's Disease organizations, including the Parkinson's Foundation, People with Parkinson's Advisory Council, and World Parkinson Coalition.
Dr. Hiral Shah is an assistant professor of Neurology at Columbia. She completed her undergraduate degree at MIT and earned an MD from Indiana University School of Medicine followed by a neurology residency at Columbia, where she was chief resident. She has worked withthe World Health Organization and, as a Global Mental Health Scholar and Global Health and Aging Policy Fellow, to advance public health responses to neurological illnesses.
The link to the recording of this event is linked in the above image.
