This Is Parkinson’s Podcast – Loving Through Parkinson’s: Faith, Family and Music | Guest: Kimberly Schlapman
This episode of This Is Parkinson’s is straight from the heart. Country music star Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town sits down with Lisa Volenec to share her family's 21-year journey with Parkinson’s disease. Kimberly opens up about recognizing her mother’s early warning signs, how she and her siblings unite as a team to manage daily caregiving, and the emotional reality of anticipatory grief. From finding joy in simple moments to using old church hymns as music therapy, Kimberly offers a warm, inspiring perspective on love, resilience, and holding onto hope.
Country music star Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town joins host Lisa Volenec on This Is Parkinson’s for a tender, deeply personal conversation about family caregiving, early warning signs, anticipatory grief, and finding hope through chronic illness.
About This Episode: When Kimberly's mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 20 years ago, Kimberly and her siblings had to learn how to adapt and run a "quarterback offense" to manage 24/7 care.
In this episode, Kimberly opens up about:
- Recognizing Hidden Early Symptoms: From loss of arm swing to childhood night terrors linked to REM sleep disorder.
- The Power of Sibling Unity: How putting pride aside creates a supportive environment for caregiving.
- Anticipatory Grief: Acknowledging the pain of grieving a loved one who is still here as roles shift.
- Music as Therapy: How old church hymns and favorite songs bring comfort, connection, and relaxation during anxious moments.
- Hope & Research: Why community, environmental awareness, and advances in Parkinson’s research offer bright hope for the future.
