At Winterwolf Press, we cherish the opportunity to spotlight individuals who inspire others through their resilience, wisdom, and dedication to transformative storytelling. Jerry Hurtubise, an author and advocate, is one such individual. In this interview, Jerry shares insights into his journey with Parkinson’s disease and how it influences both his life and his writing—particularly through the lens of his character, Christian Cultura.
Here’s how our conversation unfolded:
Winterwolf Press: Jerry, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s dig in—you mentioned that by 2030, Parkinson’s could affect over a million people in the U.S. That’s staggering.
Jerry: Yes, it is. Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological disease in America. That’s why I’m passionate about spreading awareness—people need to understand that they can do something about it.
Winterwolf Press: Speaking of doing something about it, how has your journey influenced Christian Cultura, the protagonist in Parkinsonian Democracy?
Jerry: well, I think both myself and my main character, Christian, are advocates of the truth. Christian and I share a drive to advocate for the underdog. For him, it’s about fighting systemic injustice, but for me, it’s about standing up for our brain cells. They’re the ultimate underdog—facing damage and degeneration without a voice.
Winterwolf Press: That’s a powerful perspective. On a more practical level, what’s surprised you most about the role of exercise and diet in managing Parkinson’s?
Jerry: Well, what has surprised me most is that the effective nature of diet and exercise and the treatment of Parkinson’s; it’s the synergy between them. They’re two sides of the same coin. Exercise stimulates chemical reactions in the brain, while proper nutrition feeds the brain cells the glucose and nutrients they need to thrive. The science behind it is amazing, yet it amazes me that so many people aren’t aware of how critical this is.
Winterwolf Press: That’s a hopeful message. But what do you think is the biggest misconception about Parkinson’s? Like, what is the one thing you wish people understood about living with it?
Jerry: I think the main thing I would try to emphasize to people is that, they don’t have to treat the disease like how their parents did. That the misconception of Parkinson’s means it’s a death sentence. Too many people get paralyzed by fear when they’re diagnosed, and they fall into the trap of passivity.
Winterwolf Press: What do you think has been the most rewarding part of sharing your knowledge through your book?
Jerry: Most people are polite and listen respectfully to the theory, but what truly encourages me is seeing individuals put it into action. When they incorporate diet and exercise into their lifestyle, they experience positive changes, embrace healthy living as a daily habit, and often feel a renewed sense of hope. Their excitement becomes contagious, inspiring them to share their experiences with others.
That’s the heart of Parkinsonian Democracy. The title reflects the freedom we have to take personal responsibility for our health. It’s about how the chemical reaction causes a certain dopamine producing neurons to react positively when we move aerobically continuously, and that’s the purpose of the brain cells in the part of the brain that are dying in a motor program in the basal ganglia and keeping them alive is the key.
Winterwolf Press: That’s great to know. If Christian Cultura could give advice to others living with Parkinson’s, what would it be?
Jerry: Change your lifestyle. Take action. The goal is to keep your brain cells alive, and diet and exercise are the only methods proven to do that. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Medications help treat symptoms, but only lifestyle changes can directly address the disease by keeping brain cells alive.
Winterwolf Press: What keeps you motivated on the tough days?
Jerry: My routine. You see, I never actually let it get to that point where the symptoms are too tough to handle. Every morning, I hit the elliptical and induce a runner’s high. That aerobic exercise restores normal brain signaling and leaves me energized all day. Add to that the right foods to fuel the brain, and you have a recipe for well-being.
Winterwolf Press: One last question: what’s the most important thing someone newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s should ask their doctor?
Jerry: They should ask, “What can I do to keep my remaining brain cells alive?” And they should listen carefully to the response. If the answer focuses only on medications, it might be worth seeking a second opinion. The best specialists today recognize the importance of diet and exercise as complementary to medication.
Winterwolf Press: Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences, Jerry. Any final thoughts?
Jerry: Just that life is a joy when you embrace it. I’m grateful every day for my family, for the chance to wake up and fight for my brain cells, and for the opportunity to share this message.
Jerry’s journey and insights are a reminder that even in the face of a daunting diagnosis, there’s hope—and that hope comes from action. If you’re inspired by Jerry’s story, you can learn more by picking up a copy of his book, Parkinsonian Democracy.
What steps will you take today to prioritize your brain health? Let us know in the comments below!
