Carey Christensen
Stanwood, Washington
Carey Christensen is a patient activist, writer and speaker. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1999 at age 41, she turned to advocacy in 2002 after losing her longtime staff position at the University of Washington due to the little understood non-motor symptoms of PD.
In addition to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, she volunteers for the Parkinson’s Action Network, the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, and the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, working to raise awareness and provide insight as Parkinson’s disease is redefined. As a voice for everyday patients struggling to maintain relationships, keep jobs, or get by on Social Security disability, she is motivated by her belief in the power of patient partnerships with researcher, doctor and community in order to better understand, treat, cure, care and live well with PD.
Carey is currently collaborating with her doctors, Monique Giroux, MD, and Sierra Farris, PA-C, at the Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, to develop a wellness program that will motivate patients to remain active. She lives near Seattle, where her daughter, Elizabeth, is a student at the University of Washington.
