An interview with Shawn Dunahue: The Fight We Didn’t Choose: Advocating for Those Living With Parkinson’s.
Biography
Shawn Dunahue is a seasoned sales and revenue operations advisor with over 30 years of experience helping businesses grow through strategic leadership, process optimization, and hands-on execution. As the founder of Tidewater Solutions Group, LLC, he partners with small and mid-sized businesses to simplify sales operations and drive measurable growth. Inspired by personal family experiences, Shawn is also a passionate advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and support, dedicating his time to advancing research, education, and resources for patients and caregivers.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
Driven by my family’s journey with Parkinson’s—through both my aunt and my brother—I have dedicated myself to advocacy, education, and community support. I serve as a Board Member for the Parkinson’s Foundation – Florida Chapter, an Ambassador, a committee member, and a local resource, working to deliver critical education, raise awareness, and expand access to resources for patients and caregivers. I am committed to being present in the community, recognizing local organizations making a difference, and helping improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s and their families.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
After spending most of my career traveling and consumed by corporate life, my brother’s long and difficult journey to a Parkinson’s diagnosis made me realize it was time to shift my priorities—putting my family, community, and personal purpose first. When his diagnosis finally came after nearly 12 years of uncertainty, I knew simply donating wasn’t enough; I needed to be present, active, and deeply involved. I became an advocate, a resource, and a member of his care team, stepping into a larger role with the Parkinson’s Foundation to give my brother—and others like him—a stronger voice, better support, and hope for the future.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
Parkinson’s education empowers patients and caregivers by helping them understand the road ahead, equipping them to manage the present challenges and prepare for what’s to come. It can spark motivation, encourage active living, and reinforce that while Parkinson’s is a difficult journey, it’s not a death sentence—it’s a fork in the road that, with the right support and mindset, can still lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
As an Ambassador for the Parkinson’s Foundation, I present their educational programs—typically lasting 1 to 1.5 hours—or represent the Foundation by tabling at local community events, which often run several hours.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Through my Parkinson’s advocacy, I have been honored to be a resource for friends, family, colleagues, and network partners who find themselves directly or indirectly impacted by the disease. Recently, a former neighbor who had been silently struggling after his brother’s diagnosis reached out after following my posts, and I was able to connect him to critical resources, support networks, and information to help his family navigate this new reality. Being able to listen, guide, and offer actionable support in moments of uncertainty is exactly why I am so passionate about raising awareness and building community around Parkinson’s.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
A future goal for my Parkinson’s advocacy is to help bridge the gap between patients, caregivers, and the medical community by promoting better education, empathy, and understanding of the disease’s complexities. I want to amplify the voices of families living with Parkinson’s, drive support for earlier diagnosis and access to care, and help expand funding for both groundbreaking research and local community programs that directly improve quality of life. Ultimately, I’d like to be part of a movement that not only pushes us closer to a cure but also ensures that no one affected by Parkinson’s ever feels alone or unheard.
What events do you participate in?
I actively participate in a variety of Parkinson’s-related charity events and initiatives—primarily those sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation, while also supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation and local organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
A core focus of my Parkinson’s advocacy is supporting caregivers—those unsung heroes who often lose their sense of identity as they become an integral part of a loved one’s Parkinson’s journey. Parkinson’s is an ever-evolving disease, and caregivers are constantly adapting, often at the expense of their own mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I dedicate a significant portion of my time to speaking with caregivers, offering resources, guidance, and, most importantly, a listening ear that understands their challenges, frustrations, and questions. I strongly believe that quality of life should extend beyond the individual diagnosed; families carry the weight of this disease too, and they deserve support, compassion, and care as they make daily sacrifices out of love and duty. My goal is to ensure that caregivers feel seen, heard, and valued every step of the way.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Email: sdunahue@tidewatersg.com
While I don’t have a dedicated website solely for my advocacy, I do maintain a section on my company’s website and in our newsletters focused on Parkinson’s awareness and support. You can explore that content at: https://www.tidewatersg.com/tsg-cares.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Advocacy begins with empathy and a willingness to learn. Anyone can become a Parkinson’s advocate by first educating themselves about the disease and the challenges it presents—not just for those diagnosed, but also for caregivers and families. Sharing accurate information, attending awareness events like Moving Day, supporting fundraising efforts, and simply starting conversations in your community or workplace can make a meaningful impact. You don’t have to be a medical expert or have a direct connection to Parkinson’s to be a powerful voice. Whether through volunteering, storytelling, legislative outreach, or offering emotional support to someone affected, advocacy is about raising visibility, breaking stigma, and ensuring no one faces Parkinson’s alone. Every voice matters, and even small actions can create lasting change.
My Why… What inspired you to become an advocate for Parkinson’s, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on the disease?
My advocacy started from a deeply personal place—watching my family members navigate the complexities of Parkinson’s. My aunt lived with Parkinson’s for years, and more recently, my brother was diagnosed with Parkinsonism after over a decade of misdiagnoses. Through their journeys, I saw the gaps—gaps in awareness, in education, in empathy, and in care. I realized that while patients fight a visible battle, caregivers often fight an invisible one, carrying the emotional and physical weight quietly. That experience shaped my perspective and made it clear: Parkinson’s is more than a diagnosis. It’s a family disease, and we need to advocate for every person it touches.
What do you believe is the most urgent need in the Parkinson’s community right now—and how can others help make a difference?
The most urgent need is support—real, comprehensive support—for both patients and caregivers. We need more education for medical professionals to recognize and respond to Parkinson’s earlier and more effectively. We need resources that help families navigate the day-to-day challenges, and we need systems that don’t let caregivers fall through the cracks. The best way others can help is by getting involved: donate to research, attend awareness events, amplify stories, or simply listen to someone who’s living it. Advocacy isn’t just a title—it’s a choice to care, to show up, and to be part of something bigger than yourself.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
The key to effective advocacy is authentic connection paired with consistent action. Advocacy isn’t just about raising your voice—it’s about listening, understanding, and representing the needs of those impacted. For Parkinson’s, that means amplifying both the medical and emotional realities of patients and caregivers, while also driving awareness, education, and policy change. Effective advocates stay informed, speak from lived experience or empathy, and build trust through honest, compassionate communication. Whether it’s through storytelling, community involvement, or influencing systems of care, the most impactful advocacy is grounded in purpose, fueled by persistence, and focused on creating meaningful, lasting change.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
We can better fundraise by making it personal, accessible, and purposeful. Storytelling is key—when people understand the real-life impact of Parkinson’s on individuals and families, they’re more likely to give from the heart. We need to connect donors to the “why” behind the cause: funding groundbreaking research, improving care, and supporting those living with the disease right now.
Diversifying fundraising methods is also critical. That means blending traditional events like walks and galas with grassroots efforts—social media campaigns, peer-to-peer challenges, community partnerships, and business sponsorships. The more entry points we create the more people we engage.
Lastly, transparency builds trust. Donors want to know where their money goes. When we clearly show the impact—clinical trials funded, caregiver programs launched, lives improved—we not only raise funds, we build long-term champions for the cause.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I walk a couple miles several times a week to clear my mind, set my priorities, and shake off the stress that comes with it all.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects families, communities, workplaces, and healthcare systems. Even if you don’t have the disease, chances are someone you know or love will be impacted. It’s a progressive, incurable condition that touches every part of a person’s life—physical, emotional, and financial. Caring about Parkinson’s means caring about quality of life, dignity, and access to care.
More importantly, the fight for a cure and better treatments benefits everyone. The breakthroughs in Parkinson’s research often lead to advances in other neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and dementia. Supporting Parkinson’s awareness is a stand for empathy, innovation, and better care—for today’s patients and future generations.
You don’t need a diagnosis to make a difference. You just need the heart to care.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes- Aunt and Brother
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
“The Fighter” – Gym Class Heroes ft. Ryan Tedder
This track reflects the grit and determination it takes to keep going, especially when the system fails to listen. It’s a call to keep pushing forward despite adversity.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Never let the world underestimate the strength it takes to live with Parkinson’s. I’ve seen the courage it demands—not just from those diagnosed, but from every caregiver, advocate, and family member who stands in the storm with them. We’ve walked into hospitals prepared, informed, and still been dismissed. We’ve fought for dignity when the disease tried to take it. Parkinson’s is more than a movement disorder—it’s a daily battle for recognition, for understanding, and for care that honors the full humanity of those living with it. You are not alone. Your voice matters. And I promise to keep fighting beside you—for awareness, for better systems, and for the hope that one day, this disease won’t define any of us.”