I met Martha Carlin in 2024. She was introduced to me by Dr. Albert Wright, who was hoping that Martha could offer some insight into best practices for promoting the advocacy work that is paramount to Resolve Parkinson’s. What emerged from that first meeting was an immediate admiration for a woman working tirelessly to change the face of Parkinson’s.
Martha began her career in business as a systems analyst and turnaround expert. When her husband, John, was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2002, Martha began to shift her focus to try to help her family understand the enigma that is Parkinson’s. As we know, there are over 11 million people worldwide who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s; yet, the medical and scientific communities don’t know what causes Parkinson’s or why or how it progresses; and, sadly, there is neither a cure nor a means of reducing or limiting its impact. Martha refused to accept this reality.
Martha began to apply the business skills honed over many years to tackle the complex health challenge of Parkinson’s. Eventually, Martha’s investigative research led her to the understanding that the microbiome plays a crucial role in health and well-being and could be a key component in better understanding Parkinson’s. Convinced of the validity of this argument, Martha founded the BioCollective.
The BioCollective focuses on advancing healthcare solutions, particularly for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Through the BioCollective, Martha has worked to develop innovative tools and technologies aimed at improving patient care, diagnosis, and treatment in the field of neurology. Her work has contributed to advancing the understanding and management of complex neurological diseases, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging scientific research and entrepreneurship for meaningful impact in healthcare.
“What sets Martha apart is her heartfelt dedication to solving complex health challenges. Her unwavering commitment to understanding our evolving health issues has propelled her into the realm of citizen science, particularly in the microbiome and Parkinson’s disease fields.”
In a 2017 interview with Ben Schechter, Martha was asked what prompted her to target gut research. Martha replied, “Our gut is where we come into contact with so much of the external environment through the food and water we take in. It is also where the evidence comes home to roost. I believe that it is going to prove to be the best map for understanding what is going on inside the body. Our gut is our internal pharmacy where food and drinks are transformed into vitamins, hormones, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. In order for us to be healthy we must restore the function and balance of this vital organ.”
Martha’s intuitive understanding of the connection between chronic disease and the microbiome has made her a reputable and respected citizen scientist within the scientific community. She has spoken at the White House, given a TED Talk, and holds a patent on a whole stool collection device. Beyond these outward distinctions, Martha has the unique ability to build bridges and has worked hard to forge relationships with those who are genuinely interested in solving the puzzle of Parkinson’s. Martha’s hard work and dedication are fueled by her desire to help others achieve better health and well-being through innovative and scientifically-backed solutions.
Resolve Parkinson’s is honored to be collaborating with Martha Carlin for a spring conference designed to reexamine Parkinson’s. This brainstorming event aims to break free from traditional filters, allowing a mosaic of ideas to take shape. We will explore the profound question: “What if everything we think we know is actually a mere single dot of color on a grander canvas of truths?” By bringing together a diverse group from patients to researchers and practitioners, we hope to connect our collective dots to reveal new perspectives on health and disease.
To learn more about Martha Carlin, please visit her website. Resolve Parkinson’s also encourages you to sign up for Martha’s blog, which offers insightful and hopeful news about Parkinson’s.
Ted talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph4L_JHeB3I
White House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=ZXq1oOjO_Kg&feature=emb_logo
