Born in the Bronx in 1941, Karen spent much of her life in New York City, building a varied and creative career. She worked in the fashion industry for 30 years, first as a model, then as a New York representative for a California women’s sportswear company, before moving into floral design, a business she loved and grew successfully for a decade.
After visiting Lanzarote, Karen and her husband, André, made the decision to move to the island permanently in 2016, drawn by a slower pace of life and a warmer climate. In 2021, Karen began attending yoga classes three times a week in Playa Honda, a routine she has continued for almost five years. More recently, she added twice-weekly sessions with personal trainer, Mitch, introduced by LWP, who is helping her to rebuild strength and balance.
These choices, she says, are about maintaining wellbeing and independence.
Karen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2022. “I was relieved — sort of,” she explains. “The symptoms were crippling but at least we finally had a name.” Like many living with Parkinson’s in Lanzarote, Karen found it difficult to access specialist support. Through an online search, she discovered Living With Parkinson’s, something she describes as encouraging at a time when little local support existed. Being part of LWP helped her recognise that improvement is possible, while also acknowledging the emotional and mental challenges that come with the condition.
Then there are the good days. Karen recalls one recent day when she attended both a yoga class and a training session – and still walked three miles for everyday errands. “No one was more surprised than I,” she says. “Will I do it again? Maybe not. But it was a glorious day.” Now approaching her 85th birthday, Karen doesn’t see herself as inspirational. Yet her story quietly says otherwise – reminding us that Parkinson’s does not define a life, and that making changes, when we can, can still lead to moments of strength, hope, and joy.
