Name:

Daniel Wilkins

Country of residence:

USA

Age:

29

Occupation:

Advertising/Media

What is your relationship with your PD walking partner?

We were paired up through the climb and will be meeting for the first time when we land in Africa (Nathan Henwood).

How has a diagnosis of PD affected your relationship with your walking partner?

My father was diagnosed six years ago, so I am extremely sensitive to the struggle a PD patient goes through each day. I am optimistic that the experiences I have had with my father will help my partner and I connect faster.

What are your current views/feelings of your PD walking partner’s life with PD?

I am immensely impressed by all those I have met in the PD community that deal with this disease day in and day out. 

What has motivated you to take part in the Kilimanjaro climb and to be a walking partner for people with PD?

I have watched my father’s daily struggle with PD since his diagnosis. Three years ago I ran my first half marathon in his honor. After that race I decided that I would challenge myself to do one thing each year that was outside of my comfort zone in honor of my father’s daily discomfort. I ran the NYC marathon last year and this year I hope to add summiting Kilimanjaro to the list.

What is your previous experience of hiking/climbing?

I don’t really have much experience climbing or hiking.

How do you plan to support your PD walker companion during the Kilimanjaro climb?

I honestly think he will be the one supporting me.  Nathan seems incredibly strong in both spirit and body and I am inspired by his determination to summit Kilimanjaro.  Both of us will be there for the other with words of encouragement, a shoulder to lean on and an open ear for listening. 

What hopes/aspirations do you have before and after the Kilimanjaro climb?

My father and I co-founded the Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation late last year. We have been working hard on getting it off the ground. I plan to continue to work to build the foundation and raise as much awareness for PD as possible, while helping other PD related non-profits with their own marketing efforts pro-bono.