Me at my best

To inspire and empower millions of people living with Parkinson’s around the world, Bial launches a touching campaign for the World Parkinson’s Day showing that it is possible to live a normal life, and successfully perform everyday tasks

Imagine being unable to control your own body. In your mind, everything is exactly like it was; but your brain seems to have forgotten how to tell your body to do everyday tasks like tying up shoes or using a toothbrush.

This is how it feels to live with Parkinson’s. A real challenge for the 10 million people diagnosed with Parkinson’s around the world. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease – an illness that affects nerve cells in the brain. For those who live with these symptoms and for their families, Parkinson’s means much more than just physical symptoms: it also means a loss of their independence.

In order to raise awareness and help people keep their self-esteem, people with Parkinson’s were invited to star in a video that shows them at their best by focusing on what they can do instead of what they cannot do. Buttoning up shirts, putting on make-up, tying up shoes or even dancing and playing musical instruments. Simple, everyday tasks alongside a cheerful, feel-good tune developed specially for the campaign.

António Portela, CEO of Bial, explains the positive tone of the campaign: “Parkinson’s can really change people’s lives, but it’s very important that they do not lose their self-esteem. That is why we wanted to counter the negative portraits of people with Parkinson’s and show everyone what they really can do. Hopefully, we can inspire and empower the millions of people living with Parkinson’s to never give up on their dignity. Bial’s aim is to help the lives of people with Parkinson’s even if it’s to help with one small thing at a time.”

The campaign launches worldwide today – on World Parkinson’s Day – and is featured on Bial’s website, across Bial’s social media and on the European Parkinson’s Disease Association’s social media channels too.

Watch the video ‘Me at my best’ below

This article is sponsored by Bial. The information in this article is given for information purposes only and does not represent an endorsement by Parkinson’s Europe of any particular treatments, products or companies. This article is not a substitute for advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. Parkinson’s Life makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness or accuracy of information provided.