Episode Details

In this powerful episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we are joined by Pennsylvania State Representative Valerie Gaydos. Rep. Gaydos brings a deeply personal perspective to health policy: her late mother, Martha, battled Parkinson’s disease for over 15 years. Today, Rep. Gaydos is channeling that experience into legislative leadership as a strong voice in the push to ban paraquat, a toxic herbicide linked by scientific research to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

We dive into how state-level policies can address environmental risk factors, how lawmakers and advocacy organizations can build effective coalitions, and what everyday constituents can do to move the needle toward better care and an eventual cure.