John Baumann from Louisville, KY
Nominated by Irene Litvan

My Parkinson’s Superstar has to be John Baumann, one of my favorite patients. Diagnosed in 2002 at the age of 41, John worked 6 more years as an executive officer of a major corporation before dedicating his life, on a full-time basis, to making a difference in the Parkinson’s community.

John has inspired those with Parkinson’s to live their lives to the fullest, family care partners to realize what a difference they make and how much they are appreciated, and professional healthcare providers to maintain their passion and commitment to the cause. John has traveled far and wide as keynote speaker at symposiums to bring his message of hope and positive perspective (Reclaiming Posi-spective) including, among other locations, Cincinnati at the Sunflower Revolution, Indianapolis before a Pacers game, Houston, Birmingham, Saskatchewan in Canada, St. Thomas of the Virgin Islands and even his hometown of Louisville.

John has also written a book providing a template for others to live life to the fullest with Parkinson’s Disease, Decide Success (Twelve Action Steps) – You Ain’t Dead Yet (available at Amazon.com). John has contributed to two other books (The Peripatetic Pursuit of Parkinson’s Disease and Courageous Stories of Inspiration), is a graduate of the PDF clinical trail advocate institute and is on the faculty of the University of Louisville. John is also Chair of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Board in Kentucky and has cherished being care partner to his daughter (who has flourished despite being born with life threatening birth defects and cerebral palsy).