Name:

Martha Carlin

Country of residence:

USA

Age:

49

Occupation:

Self Employed Investor

What is your relationship with your PD walking partner?

He is my husband (John Carlin)

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

I think it has made our relationship stronger. We work together to look for alternative therapies and things that can improve his quality of life. 

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

John is an inspiration to everyone who knows him. He has had PD for nine years, but most people who meet him don’t even realize he has it. When we first learned he had PD I was worried that he only had a “few good years” left and would not be able to do anything. John’s positive attitude and sense of humor have made a huge difference in how we both view his PD.

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

I wanted to support John and Nan (Kathryn) Little and show others that adventure is still, possible despite the challenges of PD. I was also interested because there are so many participating who have MS. My mother was diagnosed with MS when I was in high school. She was not an adventurer so I was interested in meeting all the people with MS and being inspired by them.

What is your previous experience of hiking/climbing?

We live in Colorado and hike the mountains here, though not as often as we would like – until deciding to do this climb.

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

With encouragement along the way when things get tough. John can do anything he sets his mind to and he never complains. I will remind him along the way how strong and capable he is and what an inspiration he is. Also, rubbing his stiff muscles back at camp and helping him stretch.