On Stage in Kyoto - WPC 2019
I am greeted by sky high
concrete walls that appear at angles
unlike any walls I’ve ever seen.
Olive green carpet, mid-century furnishings tucked into corners of
vast spaces and cloaked walkways outside cathedral like shapes of grey,
so different than anything I’ve known.
It feels cold, stark, light but not warm.
A vast space waiting to be filled,
such contrast to the cozy textures of the familiar.
I feel like I am in outer space,
in an intergalactic movie episode.
A time traveler on an unprecedented adventure.
In many ways I am.
It is the climax of countless hours of work,
a commitment spoken to a friend three years ago.
I want to share my story at the
World Parkinson Congress,
my story about Young Onset Parkinson’s.
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It is in this raw, edgy and modern structure,
the International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan
that I will call “home” this week.
I, along with my speaking partner,
will present our first presentation
to a worldwide audience here.
I am in awe, I am elated,
I am honored to be here.
I am ready.
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The space is equal parts exhilarating and intimidating
as is the idea of sharing my story on an international stage.
A world away from where I started.
It is fitting that this vast conference center is the setting.
The stage to see old friends and make new ones
To listen and learn more about the disease that is Parkinson’s.
So vast is the array of symptoms we exhibit;
so vast is the knowledge needed to find a cure;
so vast is our desire for connection and community.
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The time arrives
The preconference day
The stage, the screen, the audience.
We approach the stage, climb the stairs and
take our place at the podium in front of soaring screens.
What we face is not a room full of strangers.
Looking at us fondly, we see
our Portland, Oregon community, shining warmly.
Over a dozen familiar faces that traveled to Japan to be with us here.
The vast chasm of the convention center
Once seemingly impossible to fill with warmth,
now aglow, heated by the passion of a shared experience.
We are warmed,
We are aglow with appreciation
We are grateful to be here.
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Next up, the congress, which exceeds expectations at every pass.
Experts present, knowledge sharing, worldwide networking,
new friendships forged; innovative ideas sparked.
All within the walls of this vast modern space
that has become bright with sharing
experience, knowledge, kinship
Then, too soon, it is the closing ceremonies
many “See you in 2022!” spoken
cards and notions exchanged.
Mind full of cutting-edge science and world views
we cheer at the thought of new travel
in three years to Barcelona.
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The week, a life highlight
will not be forgotten.
Rather it will have a place of honor in my mind.
The fondest memory
of staring into the faces of our first international audience
to find our friends smiling back at us, warming us.
This community is my foundation, the architecture
that gives structure, purpose and meaning to this disease
called Parkinson’s
No matter where I am in the future
I will carry with me the glow,
the light, the warmth felt in this moment.
On stage in Kyoto.
Thank you to the World Parkinson’s Coalition
for facilitating this event.
It is life changing.
Kat Hill, MSN, NP is a retired Nurse Midwife who delivered over 800 babies in her career. She retired after being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease in 2015. Now she writes, speaks and advocates for living with resilience. She participated at the 5th World Parkinson Congress in Kyoto Japan.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this post reflect that of the author(s) solely. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Parkinson Coalition®