Name:
 

Monique Giroux

Country of residence:

USA

Age:

47

Occupation:

Neurologist

What is your relationship with your PD walking partner?

My climbing partner is also a professional colleague, Sierra Farris. I am a neurologist specializing in the care of PD and related movement disorders. I joined this group with Sierra since it embodies our philosophy of care: that it is not simply about disease but caring for and supporting people as they live life the best they can with their condition.

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

I have learned from and am inspired by many of my patients over the year. My focus is now on supporting people to redefine what wellness means to them and live their best despite a progressive condition.

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

It is tremendously inspiring to see how people are taking on this and meeting this challenge. The hard work and dedication is motivating.

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

To raise awareness for the Neurologic community and society at large. Also, as a Neurologist, I hope to influence the philosophy of care of other providers and how they themselves look at disease. We all carry bias as to what it means to live with a Neurologic disease and its challenge. We must dispel those biases and tell the world that people with MS, PD and any chronic disorder can embrace life and live well. Our effort is to continue the ‘climb’ through a virtual program in the US to bring this commitment to the community, that is empower as many people as possible, see website: www.nwpf.org/wellness for an update on this initiative.

What is your previous experience of hiking/climbing?

Two years hiking and climbing in the Northwest USA.

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

I hope to support all climbers through words of encouragement, to be an active listener when needed, support each other if times get hard, laugh and celebrate each victory – big or small.