12 Dec The couple that’s empowering communities of color to participate in Parkinson’s Disease clinical trials

When Denise Coley started shaking one Thanksgiving, her family became concerned. What followed was a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis that spurred an empowering journey she’s still on today.

By Kristen Castillo, CISCRP

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive movement disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain don’t make enough dopamine, a chemical that typically helps the body to move easily and with coordination.

Denise Coley, 70 years old and a grandmother of four, was diagnosed in January 2018. She thought her life was over. She had balance issues, trouble walking, stiffness, problems with motor skills, insomnia, and fatigue. She had a “pity party” for herself but didn’t let the disease, which doesn’t have a cure, keep her down for long. Instead, after a long career in supplier diversity consulting and community outreach, she decided to commit to providing education and support to others with PD.

“I just had to take everything that I had from the past — my education, my resources, my experience giving back — and become an advocate to bring awareness to this disease,” Coley said. Read more …