Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 42 in 2006, Michael spent the next 8 years climbing the corporate ladder in anticipation of PD forcing early retirement.
In 2014 after desperately searching the internet for any kind of HOPE, Michael stumbled upon two articles. The first one was a study by the Cleveland Clinic, they discovered that “forced exercise” improved symptoms of Parkinson’s. Then he found a video made by a small nonprofit company called Rock Steady Boxing. Further studies showed that non-contact boxing improved symptoms for people with PD. Michael has since co-founded a Rock Steady program, advocated the benefits of non contact-boxing on NPR radio, completed the Boston marathon raising thousands for Parkinson’s charities, founded 2 Mikes Parkinson’s Podcast which has over 10,000 downloads, and volunteered for numerous Parkinson’s programs.

Mike Achin is a multi-faceted Parkinson’s advocate. He has shared his PD journey with politicians on Capitol Hill, to several Pharmaceutical companies including everyone from CEO’s, to employees, researchers and even factory workers making parts for an inhaler. He has fundraised multiple events with his Team DominACHIN raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. He volunteers for the local APDA chapter and has participated in multiple clinical trials. He was a national speaker when one of the trials was approved and launched. He is also the coauthor with his wife for a book called “The Adventures of Starkinsons.”

Gavin Mogan lives with his wife, son, and daughter, in the Dallas, Texas area where he offers personal training and life coaching to people with Parkinson’s. He also created a lawn care service staffed by people with Parkinson’s or other disabilities. Gavin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s himself in 2008. At the same time the global financial markets were tanking Gavin found out his substantia nigra was doing the same

 Heather Kennedy is the founder of Kathleen Kiddo, an advocacy site offering resources and connection through social media. An entertaining speaker known for her unique talks and film presentations about living with Parkinson’s, Heather writes from her home near SF, CA. Since her diagnosis in 2011, she has collaborated with organizations such as the Davis Phinney Foundation, The Cure Parkinson’s Trust and The World Parkinson’s Congress. In 2021, Heather is scheduled to receive Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery. To book a speaking engagement, email her at kathleenkiddo@gmail.com.