Arlon Bennett: Strumming Through Parkinson's with Music and Hope
If you can walk, you can dance, talk, you can sing, rock, you can row. If you can think, you can dream, if you can dream, you can fly, fly, you can seek, seek, and you will find the missing piece to the puzzle of your life.
Imagine being a talented musician, only to face the daunting diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. This is Arlon Bennett's reality, yet he continues to make waves in the Folk/Americana scene, proving that passion and creativity can thrive even in the face of adversity. In this episode of 'Pathways to Parkinson's Relief', Arlon sits down with Robert Rodgers, PhD, to share his inspiring journey of resilience and artistic evolution.
Arlon has opened for big names like Glenn Tilbrook and Jill Sobule and has even had his lyrics used in a statue dedication for tennis legend Arthur Ashe. Despite his diagnosis, Arlon's love for music hasn't waned; in fact, it has become a powerful tool in his battle against Parkinson's. He talks about how his songwriting process has changed since his diagnosis and how music therapy has been a lifeline for him.
Arlon’s song 'World of Possibility' was even showcased at the Parkinsons Recovery Summit in Cincinnati, highlighting the therapeutic potential of music. Throughout the episode, Arlon and Robert discuss various strategies for managing Parkinson's symptoms, from exercise and cognitive training to alternative therapies. They also touch on the importance of having a supportive healthcare team and finding personalized resources that work for each individual.
Arlon's story is a beacon of hope, showing that while Parkinson's may alter one's path, it doesn't have to end the journey. His message is clear: creativity and resilience can turn life's toughest challenges into opportunities for growth and inspiration.