Brian Grant was an NBA icon, known for tenacious rebounding and a fearless attitude on the court. During his 12‐year career, he played for five teams and became a strong contributor to his surrounding communities. Today, Brian continues to inspire as a speaker, philanthropist, and a patient who insists on thriving with Parkinson’s disease. His mission is to help people become their best, even when it seems impossible.

Allan Cole is a senior administrator and professor at The University of Texas at Austin who was diagnosed with YOPD five years ago, at the age of 48. Upon diagnosis, Allan focused his energy on raising awareness and providing education about PD. He created one of the most visited PD support blogs, called PD Wise, where he and others share their Parkinson’s journey in deeply lyrical and vulnerable ways. It’s a site that many in the community depend on for connection and solace, as living with PD can be very isolating. Allan is also a frequent speaker nationally on many topics related to Parkinson’s Disease.

Meet Keri Shaw, a tireless Parkinson's disease advocate and long-standing competitive athlete. Refusing to let her diagnosis define her, Keri balances a successful career in pharmaceutical sales with her role as a single mom. Recently, she launched Kind Bomb, spreading tokens of appreciation to foster connections within communities. Committed to staying ahead of Parkinson's through community, connection, diet, and exercise, Keri's relentless advocacy aims to change the face of PD.

Jimmy Choi was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease at age 27. At first, Jimmy went into denial and "did nothing" for several years to manage his symptoms. By 2010, he walked with a cane and he hit rock-bottom when he fell down a full flight of stairs while carrying his young son. While both were physically unharmed, the fall became a catalyst for Jimmy to take back control and engage with his treatment and the PD community.

Since then, Jimmy has participated in multiple clinical trials to further research for better treatments and hopefully a cure for PD. Physical therapy led him to running and other activities that help him physically and mentally. In July 2017, he took on a new challenge and competed on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” to show the world that Parkinson’s will not stop him. Jimmy maintains a very active lifestyle, having competed in over 100 half marathons, 15 full marathons, one ultra-marathon, six Grand Fondo rides, multiple Spartan Races and countless 5K and 10K runs.

María L. De León, MD is a fellowship trained movement disorder specialist, as well as an avid research advocate. She was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 38. Over the last two decades, she has spent most of her time championing women’s issues and setting ground for a better understanding of gender differences in neurological diseases, particularly that of Parkinson’s disease (PD). María has been instrumental in the development of the “Women and PD Initiative,” and she is the award-winning author of “Parkinson’s Diva.”

Federico Archuleta also known as El Federico, is an Austin, Texas-based graffiti artist] who has created several notable murals in Austin. Archuleta draws on his Catholic upbringing as a first generation American in creating his works, including Lets Band Together and Virgen de Guadalupe. Most prominent are the stencil-graffiti portraits of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, the Clash and others on the old Tower Records/Varsity Theater building, as well as his portrait of Bob Dylan on the Hole in the Wall. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a the age of 50.

Rodolfo Savica, MD is a Professor of Neurology, practicing neurologist, and Movement Disorder and Behavior Specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Savica has a particular interest in young-onset Parkinson’s disease, and he is leading the initiatives of the Mayo Clinic Rochester regarding the clinical practice and research on YOPD. He is involved in both patient education and scientific advancements. Dr. Savica shares with us his ideas about YOPD being a disease separate from late-onset PD, which makes him a bit of a maverick in the field. He is seeing the disease in many unique ways which are very eye-opening.