Speaker Series - Chat with the Champions Panel
September 10, 2024 7:00 PM EDT
This is a rare opportunity to hear from members of the YOPD community who, despite their diagnosis, have managed to successfully optimize their athletic performance and continue to inspire others with their drive and determination.
- Learn about what focuses and motivates them
- Hear about their day to day physical & emotional challenges
- Learn how to live well and continue to grow and achieve with Parkinson's Disease.
Jimmy Choi - Jimmy is an Endurance athlete, two-time world record holder, America Ninja Warrior contestant, and Parkinson’s advocate.
Diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease in 2003, Jimmy underwent a powerful transformation -- from weighing 250 lbs in 2010 and requiring a cane to walk to his rise as a competitive-level, ultra marathoner, cyclist, and 5-time American Ninja Warrior, and fitness world-record holder. More importantly, he has become an advocate and fundraiser to help those living with adversity find their own ways around the obstacles that life throws at them.
Todd Vogt - Upon diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease in 2018 at the age of 43, Todd transitioned to be a Paralympic rower. Todd represented the US at the 2019 World Rowing Championships in Linz, Austria, finishing 6th in the world in the PR3 Men’s Pair event. Todd was the alternate for the US Para Olympic Rowing Team for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. Last year, Todd represented the US at 2023 World Rowing Championships in Racice, Czech Republic finishing in 5th place in the PR3 mixed gender double sculls event. Todd won a silver medal at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia and will represent the US at the 2024 Para Olympics in Paris, France.
Kerri Shaw - Originally from Canada, Keri has called Austin, Texas, home for over twenty years. Known for her dynamic personality and unwavering determination,
Growing up as the daughter of a pro football player, Keri learned the benefits of pushing through physically hard challenges to become more resilient. This tenacity has supported her career success in Pharmaceuticals, her role as a single mother, and her acceptance of her YOPD diagnosis. Keri stays fit through exercise, marathons, endurance training, and epic adventures to inspire her daughters and demonstrate the importance of perseverance and a positive mindset.
Keri's belief in paying it forward through her passion project, Kind Bomb, is a testament to the power of positivity. This movement, centered on random acts of kindness, helps her maintain a positive outlook and spreads the joy of kindness to others.
