Additional information
by John T. Walker (Illustrator), Rasheda Ali (Introduction by), Soania Mathur (Author)
Parkinson's disease affects millions of people worldwide. It is a disease that challenges every aspect of a person's life including relationships with family, friends and particularly those most vulnerable, the children in our lives. Interactions and activities that were once easy and natural can become more difficult. This beautifully illustrated book serves as a tool to facilitate dialogue with the very youngest in our families. It celebrates and honors the natural optimism of every child using the enduring, loving bond between grandfather and grandson as an example. It's about a boy who can only see the positive in what others perceive as his grandfather's disability and also portrays the optimistic and determined attitude of a grandfather as he continues to find joy in life despite the physical challenges that Parkinson's disease brings.
Author Biography
Dr. Soania Mathur is a family physician living outside of Toronto, Ontario who had to resign her practice as a result of her Young Onset Parkinson's Disease a full twelve years after her diagnosis at age 27. Now she is a dedicated speaker, writer, educator and Parkinson's advocate. She speaks passionately about the challenges of adjusting physically and emotionally and the coping strategies available to patients. Dr. Mathur is an active speaker with the Parkinson's Society of Canada at patient-directed conferences and also serves as a resource for education projects. She works with The Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's Research and serves on their Patient Council. She is a member of The Brian Grant Foundation Advisory Board that helps to create educational programming. She is the founder of Designing A Cure Inc. (www.designingacure.com) which was initially created to raise funds directed towards research and awareness of Parkinson's Disease and now serves as a platform to educate and inspire those living with this disease to take charge of their lives, to live well with Parkinson's. Dr. Mathur has a special interest in helping educate the youngest affected by the stress of this chronic disease. To help facilitate dialogue between children and their loved ones, she has authored two books: "My Shaky Grandpa" and "Shaky Hands - A Kid's Guide To Parkinson's Disease" . Most importantly, she is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters and married to her loving and supportive husband Arun, a Urologic surgeon.
