An interview with Hannah Komarov: The Young Mom Next Door with Parkinson’s: Redefining What Illness Looks Like
Biography
I started out as the founder of Hedgehog Han
nah (animal conservation educator), then became a preschool teacher, and later a 20-year-old paramedic student with a stiff shoulder. After 8 years of self-advocacy — from rheumatologists to pain and spine specialists, psychiatrists and beyond — I was ultimately diagnosed with YOPD at age 28, with my 9-month-old in hand. I’ve now gone through two pregnancies with PD and stay at home with my two young daughters.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
After the initial, universal period of grief, I dove into stories of othe
r advocates, adopted a strong mindset, and did my best to immerse myself in the Parkinson’s community. Since my diagnosis, my family, friends, and I have attended and/or contributed to two “Moving Days,” as well as Parkinson’s Revolution. I’ve also taken part in a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic. My future goals include training for the 2026 “Disney Princess” Half-Marathon in Orlando, FL, and becoming more involved in social media content related to PD.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is my family, and from there comes my personal hope and dedication.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I believe the goals of most individuals with Parkinson’s align with my own: to find better treatments and a potential cure. Especially having YOPD, I cling to the idea that I have time on my side — time for our advocacy to help place more value in and expedite the research process, and to further educate and open the minds of healthcare practitioners to any blind spots they may have.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I strength-train with a personal trainer at Lifetime, once or twice per week for one hour. On my own time, I try to run 3–4 miles, 2–3 times per week. Both have helped tremendously.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is an isolating disease. Each person who understands the broader scope of Parkinson’s (beyond just tremors) becomes someone in “our” corner, helping to carry that weight — especially caregivers. Personally, I would love to casually mention to a friend that I have Parkinson’s without giving off a sense of doom or carrying an invisible burden into the room.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I would like to become a recognized part of the Parkinson’s community through platforms like TikTok, and possibly documentaries. I have a soft spot for parents, caregivers, and those with PD — and I would be honored to be a confident, a source of hope, or a voice for them. I want to remind people that mindset is crucial, and nothing helps with that more than being proactive and owning your life.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George