In 2014 an exhibition of 16 photographs changed the way we think about Parkinson’s disease overnight and introduced Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) as a separate subset of Parkinson’s. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 70 is completely different from a diagnosis at 40. Some may have as many as 50 years with the condition. Many are setting out on an uncharted journey. We do not know the truly long-term effects of many of the treatments.
The photographs that form the exhibition were taken by Anders Leines, a photographer journalist for Norwegian television. These were not faint ghostly withdrawn figures. These were lions looking straight at the camera and defying the illness to do its worst. There is no fear in these eyes, only determination.
The exhibition was called “Dett Eer Parkinson” and was launched in Oslo in 2014 The global launch, this time in English (This Is Parkinson’s) took place at the 2016 World Parkinson Congress in Portland, Oregon and attracted huge interest. These snapshots of young patients captured the public imagination with their courage and determination.
Returning to these patients 10 years later is even more revealing. Their stories still speak of courage in adversity, each finding unique solutions to commonplace problems. Above all these are stories of bravery. Read them here and share. Be inspired!
