Big Kildare Interview: Meet the woman whose Parkinson's Disease diagnosis prompted a skydiving fundraiser

A nurse living in County Kildare who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) took part in a parachute dive in order to raise funds for those affected by the condition.

Nicola Kelly-Paquin is a 48-year-old wife and mother-of-three whooriginally hails from Two Mile House, but now lives in Ballymore Eustace.

Speaking about her job as a nurse, Nicola told the Leinster Leader that she specialised in Neuro-Rehabilitation and previously worked in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) for 25 years; 20 of which were spent on the night shift.

However, Nicola’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with PD.

Recalling the moment she knew something was off, Nicola said: "I was doing a lot of running at the time and noticed my left leg was dragging a bit. I could also hear a 'thump' sound as my foot hit the ground.

"My fitness trainer PJ Gaire noticed a lack of movement in my left arm when lifting weights, and a slowing of movement on the left side."

She added: "I had an overwhelming tiredness which I put down to working night shift, reduced swing of left arm and a very slight tremor in my left hand that would initially appear only after drinking coffee or if I was hungry."

Commenting on her initial reaction to being diagnosed with PD, she said: "I felt shocked and a sense of doom, but at the same time, I was half expecting him (the doctor) to diagnose something, as working in the area of neurology, I had some suspicions, but being an optimistic person by nature I was sure he would just tell me that my circadian rhythm was out of sync, and to just give up the night shift (I would have preferred my diagnosis)."

Nicola also explained that since her diagnosis, she has been proactive in informing herself on 'the best ways to live', in spite of her diagnosis, and to regularly look for what research projects are out there.

She added: "I joined two associations: the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland and Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease which are very good at informing us of upcoming projects .

"I often check the DNI (Dublin Neurological Institute) website which is where I learned of the research study they were doing to evaluate alternative methods in assessing and improving functional mobility, freezing of gait and gait stability (freezing of gait refers to a debilitating symptom that affects approximately half of people with PD, and is characterised by a feeling of inability to move forward and externally by a shuffling gait pattern), and fall safety in People with PD.

"It was through this project run by Professor Tim Lynch, consultant neurologist and clinical director of the DNI that I learned of a group called Dogs for the Disabled."

Commenting further on Dogs for the Disabled, Nicola said: "I visited the charity in Cork on a few occasions, on the first occasion to meet the team and chat to see if I was a suitable candidate for the study, and for them to get to know me a bit in order to match me with a dog that would match my personality.

"The second visit was a 'meet and greet' with a dog they considered a good match but needed to see if we did indeed match and if the dog felt comfortable with me.

"This is where I met the gorgeous Nemo and his eyes just melted my heart. He is a two-year-old black Labrador."

Nicola and Nemo. Photo supplied.

As for whether or not she's always been a dog person, Nicola had this to say: "I would say, I’ve always loved dogs but never owned one myself.  

"When I first met my husband and went to visit his family in Montreal , his parents had a beautiful black Labrador called Anouk . They got him as soon as Eric left for college and he said, when we get a dog, lets make sure its not when one of our children go to college.

"That’s exactly what we’ve just done as our eldest has just started college and we got a black lab... it's history repeating itself!"

When Nicola was asked if she would consider herself a daredevil due to her wanting to do the parachute, she responded: "While I attended my first assessment in University College Dublin (UCD) for the study, I was telling one of the researchers about a list I was making of '50 things to do before I turn 50' and on that list was the possibility of a parachute jump.

"As I walked out of UCD and turned on my phone, there was a message from my sister Andrea, asking me how I’d feel about doing a parachute jump. Clearly it was a sign, so I said yes.

"I would have been a bit of a cautious person especially working in the NRH where I would have looked after many people with brain and spinal injuries, but since my diagnosis I’ve taken a leaf out of their book and have learned to live life to the best of my ability."

Sure enough, Nicola took part in the jump for a good cause on Sunday, October 8 last.

She took the dive with instructor Vince O'Donnell, her sister Andrea Wallace, Aoibheann Tindall and Ronan Sweeney from Newbridge, whose father sadly passed away a few years ago after living with PD.

Thankfully, the venture proved to be a huge success, as it has raised just over €14,680 so far.

Nicola Kelly-Paquin took part in the skydive alongside her sister Andrea Wallace, Aoibheann Tindall and Ronan Sweeney.

Nicola also gave her own advice for people who have recently been diagnosed with PD: "It is a shock to receive a diagnosis like this, so allow yourself time to let it sink in, allow yourself to be angry and grieve.

"Be kind to yourself and start off by finding the little things in life that bring you joy, think in the present and try not think of the road ahead.

"Even if you don’t want to participate in any discussions, I do recommend joining one of the associations as there is lots of information and classes to join if you so wish."

She also said: "I recently attended the world Parkinson’s congress in Barcelona to further educate myself on how to live well with PD.

"One of the key takeaways from this conference was the importance of exercise and diet. Studies show that the earlier people with PD start on an exercise program, the better, and to include a well balanced diet.

Nicola added: "I would also love to put it to your readers to offer suggestions of realistic things to order to complete my list, so I can try and inspire those with PD that indeed we can live well, in spite of our diagnosis.

"I also just want to thank Vince, as well as everyone who has donated so far."

Suggestions to Nicola can be sent to Nicola.kelly@live.ie, while the fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe here.