This episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s features former NBA star Brian Grant who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2008. He spent 12 years battling for rebounds and putting points on the board playing professional basketball and the last 13 years battling Parkinson’s and putting points on the board as a PD advocate.  

“You know, when I go onto court and go up against somebody who was a big name, I’d grit my teeth to try to be an animal out there,” Grant shared. But he admits, YOPD is a different beast than pro basketball, “You can do that at Parkinson's, but it's just going to sit there and say, keep gritting your teeth and when you get done gritting your teeth…  I'm going to have your cheekbone.”

From denial and depression to acupuncture and advocacy, Brian Grant’s PD story is a unique but relatable journey for many suffering and living with the disease. His honesty and vulnerability are on display as he, like many of us, try to come to terms with a disease determined to do whatever it pleases, whenever it wants to. 

You can find out more about the Brian Grant Foundation at BrianGrant.org. His book Rebound: Soaring in the NBA, Battling Parkinson’s, and Finding What Really Matters is available everywhere you buy books…

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Thank you to the following people featured in this episode:

 Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.

Here is a link to Parkinson Canada’s “Together: No Matter What” campaign

Thanks also to our content and promotional partners

The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast hosted by Larry Gifford

Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.  

PD Avengers - United to end Parkinson’s. Join us.

World Parkinson Congress 2022 –Make plans to join us for #WPC2022 in Barcelona, Spain.

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