In this first episode of Season 2 of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier talks with guitarist Fabio Dwyer. Fabio’s journey with early onset Parkinson's disease has been defined by resilience and the pursuit of new possibilities. Following his diagnosis, Fabio chose to undergo deep brain stimulation, DBS, a procedure that has fundamentally changed his daily life. Fabio shares the reality of living with Parkinson's, the decision process behind DBS and what life looks like on the other side of the procedure.

If you are a musician with Parkinson's, I would love to hear from you. I believe that when we share our stories, others on the Parkinson's journey will feel less alone.

ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; to create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; to foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and to raise awareness and understanding among others in the broader community.

FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness#parkinsonsawareness#michaeljfoxfoundation

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Denise Bacon. Denise is a dedicated clarinetist and amateur musician who has Parkinson’s Disease. She gained international recognition for playing her instrument during deep-brain stimulation surgery at King's College Hospital, helping surgeons monitor her motor functions in real time.

If you are a musician with Parkinson's, I would love to hear from you. I believe that when we share our stories, others on the Parkinson's journey will feel less alone.

ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; to create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; to foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and to raise awareness and understanding among others in the broader community.

FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: ⁠www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons⁠