2022 OPTIMISM AWARD RECIPIENT: KERRY HOWARD
MEDIA UPDATE: Kerry has been getting some attention! Listen to her on the Juneau KINY radio "Capital Chat" podcast or check out the recent write-up in the Juneau Empire.
“Living with PD is a challenge, but it is a disease you can live with, and for that I am grateful. No one knows what the future holds but I believe in being kind, brave, and grateful. Pessimists may be right more often, but optimists have more friends and more fun.” - Kerry Howard
Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” Kerry Howard grew up in a family that ascribed to this philosophy, and from a young age she was taught to look at the bright side. Born and raised in Colorado, Kerry learned to love nature, animals, and photography. She slowly moved north and west, landing in Juneau in 1981 where she has lived ever since. Earning a BA in Environmental Biology, an MS in Forest Ecology, and an MPA in Resource management, Kerry had a successful 30-year career in natural resources. She retired in 2011 and started spending more time pursuing other interests.
In 2015, Kerry developed a tremor in her hand, and was ultimately diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2016. After getting over the initial shock of this diagnosis and a period of adjustment, Kerry chose to approach the disease like she approached other challenges in her life--as realistic and positive as possible. She quickly discovered that she was not alone—and made connections through PD support groups and exercise classes. Kerry found readily available resources through organizations like the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), which helped her navigate this disease.
Among Kerry’s many accomplishments that led to her selection as this year’s Optimism Award recipient:
- Helped establish the first Rock Steady Boxing program in Juneau, Alaska, in 2016, and in 2020 coauthored a successful APDA community grant application in 2020 to support remote RSB classes
- Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador since December 2019
- NWPF Community Advocate volunteer since July 2020, including helping to plan an online Hope Conference
- Lobbied Alaska’s Congressional Delegation about Parkinson’s issues in 2018, 2019, and 2021 (virtually), on behalf of the Michael J Fox Foundation
- In early 2021, drafted and submitted to Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy a draft Proclamation declaring April as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” in Alaska
- MJF Foundation Policy Ambassador since November 2021
- Photography featured in the NWPF Artist’s Galley, April 2021
- Photography featured in “The Quiver”—a website dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those with Parkinson’s disease by featuring art made by those with PD https://thequiver.org
- Supports various PD entities via donations, fundraising, and advocacy
- Participates in PD research projects, including the PDGene Project
- Volunteer at Juneau Animal Rescue, the local humane society
Join APDA in congratulating Kerry Howard and celebrating her strength in optimism!
