Kanwar, Parkinson's Disease Copay Assistance Program

The Olympic runner Usain Bolt once said, “Stop waiting for things to happen. Go out and make them happen.” For Kanwar, that means training to run 5Ks and marathons, and competing in triathlons around Central Florida. Inspired by another young person living with Parkinson’s disease, he knew it was possible. They connected in 2018 as she was preparing to run the New York City Marathon.

“I said, ‘If she could do it, I could do it,’” Kanwar said.

Kanwar’s journey with Parkinson’s disease began in 2007. He was going in for his annual physical and mentioned pain in his leg. One specialist visit led to another, eventually bringing him to a friend who is an orthopedist. The doctor had him take 10 steps and instantly knew what was causing his pain.

“I was in denial,” Kanwar said. “I thought Parkinson's disease was just for old people.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. At age 39, Kanwar’s case was rare; according to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is unusual in people under 60.

“I kind of shut off the rest of the world for 10 years,” he said. “I didn't meet friends or socialize or anything.”

In 2022, Kanwar’s doctor prescribed a new treatment that would better address his symptoms. When he got to the pharmacy, he learned it would be $2,000 each month for the copay.

“I said, ‘That's ridiculous. I can't afford it,’” Kanwar said. “I didn’t have any hope.”

To get help, Kanwar applied for the disease program waitlist at The Assistance Fund (TAF). TAF’s Parkinson’s Disease Copay Assistance Program provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for prescribed FDA-approved treatment, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. A few weeks after he applied, funding became available and Kanwar enrolled in the program.

“My quality of life has improved so much,” Kanwar said.

When he’s not running, Kanwar is helping people in his community. Since retiring from his leadership role with Tupperware™, he’s served on the Board of Directors for the Parkinson Association of Central Florida, where he participates in local events, raises awareness, and shares his story with others. His inspirational story was even featured on The Today Show in a segment about people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“I get calls from people from around the world now,” Kanwar said. “I can do things that I wasn't able to do before. TAF has really helped me a lot.”