The WPC 2026 Ambassadors were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, all of whom live with Parkinson’s. Together, they have been living with Parkinson’s for a combined 114 years, making them experts on a disease that is often misunderstood, complex to diagnose, and challenging to live with.
 
They are experts in living with Parkinson’s because they experience it 24/7. All of them have attended at least one previous World Parkinson Congress and found the experience life-changing.
 
Ambassadors will be part of our outreach team as we prepare for the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, Arizona from May 24 to 27, 2026. They will give talks at local support groups, write articles in newspapers or blogs, and be available to speak about the WPC to communities interested in learning more about attending the event. Ambassadors are valuable members of the WPC team, and we are excited to have them on board. Follow them on social media, read their blogs, and consider inviting them to present to your group. They are eager to share more about the WPC and why you should plan to attend in Phoenix.

Margie Alley (USA): Margie was diagnosed with PD in 2012 at the age of 48. To help those newly diagnosed with PD, Margie created a 2019 short film, “Gotta Keep Moving,” that demonstrates how the combination of exercise and community support can slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Margie is an active member of the Ping Pong Parkinson’s community where she earned a gold medal in the World Championship in 2019. As a lifelong athlete, she hopes to inspire others in the PD community to improve their quality of life with exercise. Margie has captained a Parkinson’s Unity Walk team each year since her diagnosis and was recognized this past year by the MJ Fox Foundation with an MVP award for her outstanding fundraising efforts. She co-leads a Parkinson’s Body and Mind Women’s Support Group and serves as a peer mentor in the Twitchy Woman network. Margie participated in the Dance for PD performance at the 2023 opening ceremonies for the WPC in Barcelona. Margie has had a career as a clinical social worker for 40 years. Most recently, she worked at a school for children with learning disabilities for 24 years and retired in June 2024. She has two adult children ages 28 and 30 and lives in Pleasantville NY with her partner, Dave, who she met when he started volunteering for the Ping Pong Parkinson’s program she attends many times per week. In her retirement, Margie plans to continue training for the Ping Pong Parkinson World Championships and expand her Parkinson’s advocacy work. 

Jagdeep Aujla (UK): A devoted family man blessed with two wonderful children. Having been diagnosed in June 2021, he has focussed on doing what he does best - supporting others - a trait inspired by his Sikh faith and his parents' teachings. Jag joined his local Parkinson's UK group as a member. Having a driving passion for serving the wider community, Jag has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness and funds while advocating for the cause.  He has established a non-combative boxing class for fellow people with Parkinson’s - “the Dopamine Warriors Boxing Club”.  The Club’s motto is 'Never Give Up the Fight.'  Jag has made a significant positive difference in the lives of many.

Monique Bosman (Netherlands): Monique had a diverse career in horticulture, marketing, information analysis, software testing, and as a Scrum Master in IT until 2020. After being diagnosed with PD in 2018, she became interested in Parkinson's disease research. She started as a participant in trials and gradually transitioned to advisory boards and a role as a Patient Researcher. The latter is a position within the Dutch Parkinson’s Association, where patients or caregivers, as the experts with firsthand experience, are consulted by researchers as members of the team. Monique is passionate about selecting impactful research, designing feasible protocols, and implementing relevant measurements for the end users. She refers to herself as a VIPP: Very Impatient Person with Parkinson’s.

Sheenagh Bottrell (Australia): Sheenagh trained and practiced as a Registered Nurse in the UK before moving to Australia in 1987. She worked in public and private hospitals, as well as in General Practice in NSW, QLD, ACT, and Victoria. Sheenagh was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) in 2011 at the age of 47. Since her diagnosis, she has been actively involved with the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, Parkinson’s Australia, and also attended the 2023 World Parkinson’s Congress in Barcelona. After relocating to Melbourne in 2019, she became heavily involved in Fight Parkinson’s Victoria, focusing on raising awareness of Young Onset Parkinson’s. Sheenagh is a Board Member of Fight Parkinson’s and a member of the Consumer Engagement and Advisory sub-Committee and is also the leader of the Australian Young@Park Support Group. Sheenagh also assists as a ‘Parkinson’s consumer’ at the Walter Eliza Hall Institute and is Chair of the Parkinson’s Consumer Reference Group. Sheenagh was recently involved in promoting the establishment of the Australian National Parkinson’s Alliance and in several Melbourne-based research projects.

Dianne Bramble (Canada): Dianne was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) in September 2013. Since then, she has become a tireless advocate for all things related to Parkinson’s. In 2014, she started participating in the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk raising at least $4000 each year. Dianne is a member of the PD Avengers, where she chairs the Research arm of the organization, and she is also a Provincial Representative for the Canadian Open Parkinson's Network. Following her diagnosis, Dianne’s passion for art and writing was reignited. her work can be found on Facebook at ”Paintings for Parkinson’s”. Additionally, Dianne has written two books called “Genes: The Story of the Accidental Superhero” and “Genes: The Continuing Adventures of the Accidental Superhero”. Dianne is also passionate about exercise, and boxing and enjoys running and riding horses. As if that isn’t enough, Dianne has started her own business as a personal trainer, health coach, and counselor for people with chronic conditions. Dianne will continue to be a strong advocate for finding a cure for Parkinson’s.

Shane Breslin (Ireland): Shane works as a Process design engineer in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Little did he realize that 12 years ago, with a diagnosis of EOPD at the age of 45, he'd be using some of the medicines and medical devices (DBS) for which he had designed facilities to manufacture them.  Shane is actively involved with the YOPD branch of Parkinson's Ireland and the Irish EOPD. He has given numerous presentations on his DBS experience to health professionals, students, and other People with Parkinsons (PwP). He teaches a martial art (Jiu JItsu) and hits the odd golf ball to relax.

Lori DePorter (USA): Lori lives in York, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Mike. They have three grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and a granddaughter. Lori was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) in December 2014. At the time, she was a 45-year-old wife and mother. She couldn't believe she had Parkinson's, but it was the reality she and her family had to face. The DePorter Family became part of the Parkinson's Community, and their lives changed as they adapted to the new circumstances. Lori became an advocate for awareness, exercise, and family. She works as a Parkinson's Educator, a PMD Alliance Ambassador, a Personal Trainer, and a writer. Driven by her passion for empowering others, she facilitates support groups, coordinates community outreach, and teaches fitness classes. As an author, her work has been published by Parkinson's News Today, Davis Phinney, and PMD Alliance. She attended the 6th WPC in Barcelona and presented a poster, "Support Groups are Empowering the Parkinson's Community." Her family collaborated on a video project, "The Ripple Effect of Parkinson's," with Kyowa Kirin, and an ATMRD patient panel, "Lips Sealed, What Your Patients Aren't Telling You." Lori and her family hope to continue providing a voice for patients and care partners by sharing their stories and demonstrating that life with Parkinson's can still be good despite the challenges.                                    

Naomi Estolas (USA): Naomi is a Parkinson's advocate who lives life to the fullest to the best of her abilities. She resides in Marina, California, and has been married for 36 years to her supportive husband, Elpidio. They have two children and aspire to be the best example that they can be for them. Naomi holds a Master’s degree in business management information systems and worked as an IT project manager until 2017. She was diagnosed in April 2015 and continues to maintain a positive attitude despite the degenerative challenges of the disease. Naomi was the lead co-founder of the ‘Soaring with Hope for PD’ (SWH) art installation showcased at the 2019 Kyoto Japan WPC. She has also participated in several studies and clinical trials. Naomi’s goals include raising awareness, helping find a cure to end Parkinson’s, and assisting others with PD. She was the main guest speaker at the Parkinson's Foundation Moving Day in her local community and worked with the Michael J. Fox Foundation Government Relation and Advocacy teams, as well as senators and representatives in Congress and her local community to get the End Parkinson’s Act bill signed into law. Naomi brought Dance for PD and Taiko for PD to her local community’s Power Over Parkinson’s (POP) in Monterey, California. She received a proclamation from her local city, serves as a Twitchy Woman mentor for women with Parkinson’s, and has helped her local and surrounding communities to work together and expand. Her positive attitude, encouragement, and support help inspire and motivate those with or impacted by Parkinson’s to live well and to always do the best they can.

Julie Fitzgerald (USA): Young Onset Parkinson’s disease is often difficult to diagnose especially in young women. Although Julie was symptomatic for 20 years, she wasn’t diagnosed until early 2013. Julie volunteers with several organizations, focusing on educating the public and healthcare professionals, as well as advocating for legislative changes. She didn't limit her efforts locally. Julie participated in a challenging 7-day, 120-mile hike across Sicily alongside Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s advocates to raise awareness for both diseases. This incredible journey is documented in the film "Pilgrimage to Enlightenment – The Journey to Becoming an Advocate," which has been entered in several film festivals. Julie resides in Austin, Texas, where she shares her life with her service dog, Hope, and her kitten, Peaches.

Marlene Kendrick (USA): In 2018, one month before her 61st birthday, Marlene was diagnosed with Parkinson's. She has found that exercise is the best way to slow down the progression of the disease. Marlene enjoys gardening, especially propagating native plants. She stays active by volunteering for local Parkinson's groups in Portland, Oregon. Some of her friends in the Parkinson's community had a great experience at the 2019 WPC in Kyoto, Japan which inspired her to volunteer at the 2023 WPC in Barcelona, Spain. Marlene looks forward to working with the WPC 2026 as an ambassador.

Sharon Krischer (USA): Sharon was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in January 2009. About 9 years ago (in 2015), Sharon started writing a blog called "Twitchy Woman, My Adventures with Parkinson's Disease" to provide information about living with Parkinson's Disease from the patient’s perspective for people who were newly diagnosed. Her goal is to present living well with PD in a positive and sometimes humorous way. Sharon lives in Beverly Hills, CA with her husband, Joel. They have 3 daughters and 4 fabulous grandchildren.

Myriam Penninckx (Belgium): Myriam is married to Patrick de Wolf and they have two children and four grandchildren. Myriam studied economics and worked at the FSMA, the American Securities and Exchange Commission, where she found her place in the Human Resources department and eventually took on a leadership role. At the age of 60, Myriam was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which was disorienting. However, by being open to help from the medical community, she was able to regain her footing, and Parkinson's became the start of a new chapter in her life. She became active in several organizations and now feels a sense of mission to help others struggling with their diagnosis, showing them that Parkinson's is not the end, but a new beginning. Today, Myriam is doing well and considers it an honor to serve as an ambassador for the WPC 2026.

Paqui Ruiz (España): Paqui is a woman with Parkinson's who, after 12 years of struggling to maintain a creative and positive identity, decided to start the blog "ConPdePárkinson". It's a space where Spanish-speaking women with the same disease can find support and visibility. Her diagnosis came after a long process of medical confusion, but today, thanks to the association "ConPdePárkinson" and the people who have supported her, Paqui has found true friends.  She will continue to value every day as an opportunity to live fully and share her experience with others.

Edgar Valdmanis (Norway): Edgar was diagnosed in October 2019 and soon after became an active volunteer with the Norwegian Parkinson's Disease Association. Currently, he serves as the chair of the larger Oslo area division of the Association and was honored as the "Volunteer of the Year" in 2022. In April 2021, he created a local podcast called "Uttafor men Innafor" for the community, which is still ongoing with weekly episodes. The podcast features individuals with Parkinson's disease, caregivers, health professionals, and other guests sharing their experiences with PD. Edgar has over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing, and communications. He is 64 years old, has been married to Kirsten for 42 years, and they have 2 children and 2 grandchildren, all living in the Oslo area. Edgar holds an MBA degree from the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University and is the author of 2 business books on Business Networking and Presentations, respectively.

Tony Wilkinson (Ireland): Tony was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. He learned there were huge gaps in the support and services available and realized he could make a positive impact by advocating for PWPs. He has worked with the research team in the Parkinson’s Disease Research Cluster (PDRC) at University College Cork (UCC) to deliver the first mapping project of Parkinson’s in Ireland, providing the first statistical data on all aspects of Parkinson’s and the roadmap to future care, support and research. Tony helped secure funding to implement a national survey within the farming community to investigate the link between Parkinson’s, Pesticides, and Farming. Working under the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) umbrella, Tony often speaks at the Dail (Irish Parliament) about Parkinson’s and has worked with local elected government representatives (TDs) to raise the profile of Parkinson’s services in rural Ireland. Tony’s work has helped deliver commitment from Ireland’s Minster for Health. Advocating for People with Parkinson’s has been life-changing for him, and he is honored to get the opportunity to be part of the WPC team.

Margie Zimmerman (USA): Margie is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CNFP), born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps following her graduation from the University of Maryland (BSN). After leaving active duty she and her growing family experienced multiple relocations spanning Germany to Hawaii with her career Army officer husband. She remained active in the nursing field working in a variety of clinical academic settings and concurrently received her Master of Arts degree from Boston University. Following the birth of her seventh child, she continued her professional development with a Master of Science and the Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Graduate award from Pace University, NY. For the next twenty years, Margie worked in a Family Practice Medical Clinic which was followed by locum work in rural Alaska serving fishermen and their families. Her most recent academic positions include Adjunct Faculty (School of Nursing) at George Mason University, VA, and George Washington University, Washington DC. Since her diagnosis with PD in 2010 Margie has been actively involved with several PD programs. She has maintained her level of awareness regarding the newest innovations, interventions, and technologies with those with PD. Margie’s very excited to join the team of WPC 2026 Ambassadors! She pledges to offer her personal and professional experiences with PD for the advancement of all who have affiliation with this Congress.

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