Feb 11, 2021
Recently a video of Jimmy Choi went viral on video-sharing
social network TikTok in which he was having a hard time opening
his pill bottle because of his early-onset Parkinson’s.
The TikTok community rallied around Jimmy. The result? So
inspiring: An “accessible” bottle was created that Jimmy can now
open with ease.
So honored to have Jimmy on the show to share the story behind
the video, what it was like to be diagnosed with the disease at 27,
the eight years of denial after the diagnosis + ALL that he has
accomplished since:
- completing the Chicago Marathon
- competing four times on American Ninja Warrior
- breaking a Guinness World Record for most chest-to-ground
burpees in one minute
- raising over $500,000 for Parkinson's research.
If you could use an uplifting reminder of the power of
community, this episode is for you.
SHOW NOTES:
- “Life is going to throw obstacles at you. You never
know in what form and in which way. It’s going to be tough, but
there is always a way around it.”
- After moving to Chicago from Taiwan at 10 years old, Jimmy
struggled to adapt to a new culture yet found kindness, math +
sports as gateways to adjusting.
- At 27 years old, Jimmy could explain away his quirky symptoms
yet a nurse performing a routine physical saw concerning
behaviors.
- Months after being diagnosed and only after deciding to take
medication did Jimmy tell Cherryl, his wife + high school
sweetheart.
- For eight years, Jimmy ignored his disease, his body constantly
adapting to a new normal and became isolated and inactive.
- “I was active because I thought everything was normal. After I
was given the diagnosis, it’s like someone flipped the
switch.”
- Jimmy’s inflection point came in 2010 after he tumbled down the
stairs with his 10-month-old son.
- Seeking a cure, Jimmy began participating in clinical trials
regardless of its simplicity or risk.
- One more step: Noticing the benefits from
physical activity, Jimmy went from walking once around the block
with a cane to running the Chicago Marathon with the Michael J. Fox
Foundation.
- Becoming involved with the Michael J. Fox Foundation provided
Jimmy found a community of support.
- Through proper diet + exercise, Jimmy learned how much stronger
he is despite Parkinson’s.
- “Exercise has become medication.”
- The Fox Ninja: Trying to teach his daughter
face adversity, Jimmy applies + is accepted to compete on
NBC's American Ninja Warrior in 2017 where he
represented the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
- Since his appearance on ANW, Jimmy has raised over
$500,000 for Parkinson’s research.
- Instead of posting a video of an incredible physical feat,
Jimmy shared a now-viral video of him struggling to take his 3mm
pills which inspired the TikTok community.
- Brian Aldridge created a 3D rendering of a pill bottle that
would isolate + administer a single pill. Once finalized, Brian
plans to keep the drawing available to the public free of
charge.
- David Exler stepped in to 3D print the bottles and will up to
50 free bottles to anyone with proof of donation to the Michael J.
Fox Foundation.
- “One of the reasons I work so hard to do things for myself is
so I can remain independent.”
- How can you use your weaknesses to your advantage and
turn those into strengths? In Jimmy’s case, he used
burpees as an opportunity to learn a survival skill and it turned
into him breaking the World Record for number of burpees in 1
minute in August 2020.
JIMMY CHOI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
Living With a SEAL by Jesse Itzler.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you
possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited
today? Sense of adventure.
3. Your house is on fire, all living things and
people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one
item. What would it be? My wall of accomplishments
because they represent the milestones in life I was able to achieve
during a dark time in my life.
4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a
gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long
conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
Michael J. Fox and Bruce Lee
5. What is the best advice you’ve ever
received? My dad’s mantra: Be above average.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old
self? Be patient. Progress and change doesn’t come
overnight.
7. It’s been said that all great people can have
their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to
read? You came at me hard but my family was there to push
back against you.
***
About our sponsor: Keeley Companies
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