Tincy Jose, a junior sister working in urgent care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, was completely overwhelmed when she received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. However, she has managed to turn her journey into a calling to support and encourage others with the condition. Tincy first noticed her symptoms while walking in the hospital corridors and later experienced a tremor in her hand while at church. After reading an article about Dr. Paul Sinha, who also has Parkinson’s, Tincy began to realize that her symptoms were similar to his. When she received her diagnosis over the phone, she felt like she was in a different world and was initially unable to speak. However, her matron provided support and reassurance, reminding her that there is treatment available and that she can still progress in her career and spend time with her children.
It took Tincy nearly one and a half years to disclose her diagnosis to all of her colleagues, but she gradually realized that there was a purpose to it. She believes it was a calling to raise awareness about the importance of timely medication for those with Parkinson’s in the hospital. Tincy is a member of an informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with the disease, and they are working to raise awareness and ensure that patients receive their medication on time. According to Parkinson’s UK, 58% of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time. Tincy has also had the opportunity to meet with the minister for disabled people to discuss the importance of adding Parkinson’s to the prescription exemption list and recruiting more specialists.
Tincy wants to show others that there is life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Despite experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, stress, and slowed writing, she has been able to develop her career and progress to a higher position. Recently, she was awarded the Best Nurse of the Year from MalayalamUK. Tincy believes that to live well with Parkinson’s, one must be positive, active, resilient, kind to oneself, insightful, nurturing, self-confident, and optimistic. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and remaining determined to rise above the challenges that come with the disease. Tincy’s son calls her a super mum because she continues to work and take care of her family despite her diagnosis, and she is grateful for their support.
In conclusion, Tincy Jose’s journey with Parkinson’s disease has led her to become an advocate for others with the condition. She has found purpose in raising awareness about the importance of timely medication and has shown that there is still a fulfilling life and career after a diagnosis. Tincy’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of support and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Original news source: Parkinson’s disease: ‘You can have a career after diagnosis’ (BBC)
Listen:
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Fast
Vocabulary:
| 1 | overwhelmed | Feeling completely defeated or unable to cope |
| 2 | diagnosis | The identification of a disease or condition through examination or testing |
| 3 | tremor | A small involuntary shaking movement, typically in the hands |
| 4 | reassurance | Comfort or support given to someone to remove their doubts or fears |
| 5 | disclose | To reveal or make known information or a secret |
| 6 | purpose | The reason for which something is done or created |
| 7 | awareness | Knowledge or understanding of a particular situation or fact |
| 8 | medication | A substance used to treat or cure a disease or medical condition |
| 9 | symptoms | Physical or mental features that indicate the presence of a disease or condition |
| 10 | fatigue | Extreme tiredness or exhaustion |
| 11 | resilient | Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions |
| 12 | challenges | Difficulties or problems that require effort to overcome |
| 13 | advocate | A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy |
| 14 | obstacles | Something that blocks or hinders progress or achievement |
| 15 | determination | Firmness of purpose or resolve; the act of deciding definitely and firmly |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions:
1. Read the article individually or in pairs.
2. Write a summary of the article in your own words, focusing on the key points.
3. Share your summaries with the class and compare them.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into groups of 3-4.
2. Each group should discuss the following question: “Do you think it is important for hospitals to prioritize timely medication for patients with Parkinson’s disease? Why or why not?”
3. After the discussion, each group should conduct a mini-opinion poll within the class, asking other students for their opinions and reasons.
4. Create a summary of the poll results and present them to the class.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions:
1. In pairs or small groups, discuss the pros and cons of disclosing a Parkinson’s diagnosis to colleagues.
2. Write down your ideas on a piece of paper or on the board, separating them into two columns: pros and cons.
3. Share your ideas with the class and have a class discussion on the topic.
– Future Predictions
Instructions:
1. Individually, write down 3 predictions about the future of Parkinson’s treatment and support based on the information in the article.
2. Pair up with a classmate and share your predictions.
3. Discuss your predictions with your partner and come up with one joint prediction.
4. Share your joint prediction with the class and have a class discussion on the topic.
– Sketch It
Instructions:
1. In pairs or small groups, choose a key scene or moment from the article and sketch it on a piece of paper.
2. Once everyone has finished sketching, take turns presenting your sketches to the class and explaining the scene or moment you chose.
3. After each presentation, the class can ask questions or make comments about the sketches.
Comprehension Questions:
1. How did Tincy first notice her symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
2. What was Tincy’s initial reaction when she received her diagnosis?
3. How long did it take Tincy to disclose her diagnosis to all of her colleagues?
4. What is the goal of the informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
5. According to Parkinson’s UK, what percentage of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time?
6. What symptoms does Tincy experience as a result of her Parkinson’s disease?
7. What advice does Tincy give for living well with Parkinson’s?
8. How does Tincy’s son describe her and why is she grateful for their support?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
(1)______ Jose, a junior sister working in urgent care at the Queen Elizabeth (2)______ in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, was completely overwhelmed when she received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. However, she has managed to turn her journey into a calling to support and (3)______ others with the condition. Tincy first noticed her symptoms while walking in the hospital corridors and later experienced a tremor in her hand while at church. After reading an article about Dr. Paul (4)______, who also has Parkinson’s, Tincy began to realize that her symptoms were similar to his. When she received her diagnosis over the phone, she felt like she was in a different world and was initially unable to speak. However, her matron provided support and reassurance, reminding her that there is (5)______ available and that she can still progress in her career and spend time with her children.
It took Tincy nearly one and a half years to disclose her diagnosis to all of her (6)______, but she gradually realized that there was a purpose to it. She believes it was a calling to raise awareness about the importance of timely medication for those with Parkinson’s in the hospital. Tincy is a member of an (7)______ group of NHS professionals diagnosed with the (8)______, and they are working to raise awareness and ensure that patients receive their medication on time. According to Parkinson’s UK, 58% of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time. Tincy has also had the opportunity to meet with the minister for disabled people to discuss the importance of adding Parkinson’s to the prescription exemption list and recruiting more specialists.
Tincy wants to show others that there is life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Despite experiencing (9)______ such as fatigue, stress, and (10)______ writing, she has been able to develop her career and (11)______ to a higher position. Recently, she was awarded the Best Nurse of the Year from MalayalamUK. Tincy believes that to live well with Parkinson’s, one must be positive, active, resilient, kind to oneself, insightful, nurturing, self-confident, and (12)______. She emphasizes the importance of (13)______ (14)______ and remaining determined to rise above the challenges that come with the disease. Tincy’s son calls her a (15)______ mum because she continues to work and take care of her family despite her diagnosis, and she is grateful for their support.
In conclusion, Tincy Jose’s journey with Parkinson’s disease has led her to become an advocate for others with the (16)______. She has found purpose in raising awareness about the importance of timely medication and has shown that there is still a fulfilling life and career after a diagnosis. Tincy’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of support and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. Have you ever known someone with Parkinson’s disease? How did it affect their life?
2. How do you think you would feel if you received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease?
3. Do you think it’s important for healthcare professionals with Parkinson’s to raise awareness about the condition? Why or why not?
4. What do you think can be done to ensure that patients with Parkinson’s receive their medication on time in hospitals?
5. How do you think Tincy’s experience with Parkinson’s has influenced her perspective on life and career?
6. Do you agree with Tincy’s belief that there is still a fulfilling life and career after a Parkinson’s diagnosis? Why or why not?
7. How do you think Tincy’s advocacy work can help other people with Parkinson’s disease?
8. What qualities do you think are important for someone living with Parkinson’s to possess in order to live well with the condition?
9. How do you think Tincy’s children feel about her continuing to work and take care of them despite her diagnosis?
10. Would you consider Tincy a role model? Why or why not?
11. Do you think it’s important for people with Parkinson’s to have a support system? Why or why not?
12. How do you think Tincy’s experience with Parkinson’s has affected her relationship with her colleagues?
13. How do you think Tincy’s advocacy work can impact the healthcare system in regards to Parkinson’s disease?
14. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges that people with Parkinson’s face?
15. How do you think Tincy’s positive attitude has helped her in living with Parkinson’s disease?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. overwhelmed
2. diagnosis
3. tremor
4. reassurance
5. disclose
6. purpose
7. awareness
8. medication
9. symptoms
10. fatigue
11. resilient
12. challenges
13. advocate
14. obstacles
15. determination
Meanings:
(A) Physical or mental features that indicate the presence of a disease or condition
(B) Comfort or support given to someone to remove their doubts or fears
(C) A substance used to treat or cure a disease or medical condition
(D) Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
(E) To reveal or make known information or a secret
(F) Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
(G) Feeling completely defeated or unable to cope
(H) The reason for which something is done or created
(I) Firmness of purpose or resolve; the act of deciding definitely and firmly
(J) Knowledge or understanding of a particular situation or fact
(K) A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy
(L) A small involuntary shaking movement, typically in the hands
(M) The identification of a disease or condition through examination or testing
(N) Something that blocks or hinders progress or achievement
(O) Difficulties or problems that require effort to overcome
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. How did Tincy first notice her symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
(a) While at church
(b) After reading an article about Dr. Paul Sinha
(c) All of the above
(d) While walking in the hospital corridors
2. Who provided support and reassurance to Tincy after her diagnosis?
(a) Her colleagues
(b) Her children
(c) Her doctor
(d) Her matron
3. What percentage of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time, according to Parkinson’s UK?
(a) 58%
(b) 75%
(c) 42%
(d) 90%
4. What is Tincy’s goal in raising awareness about Parkinson’s in the hospital?
(a) To recruit more specialists
(b) To ensure patients receive their medication on time
(c) To add Parkinson’s to the prescription exemption list
(d) All of the above
5. What symptoms does Tincy experience as a result of Parkinson’s?
(a) Tremors and difficulty speaking
(b) Fatigue, stress, and slowed writing
(c) Memory loss and confusion
(d) None of the above
6. What award was Tincy recently given?
(a) Advocate of the Year
(b) Parkinson’s Awareness Award
(c) Best Nurse of the Year
(d) None of the above
7. How does Tincy’s son describe her?
(a) An inspiration
(b) A role model
(c) A super mum
(d) None of the above
8. What is the main message of Tincy’s story?
(a) There is life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis
(b) Support and determination are important in overcoming obstacles
(c) Timely medication is crucial for those with Parkinson’s
(d) All of the above
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. Tincy emphasizes the importance of seeking support and remaining determined to rise above the challenges that come with Parkinson’s disease.
2. Tincy gradually disclosed her diagnosis to her colleagues over a period of one and a half years.
3. Tincy’s symptoms included experiencing a tremor in her hand and noticing similarities to another individual with Parkinson’s.
4. Tincy is not a member of an informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, working to raise awareness and ensure patients receive their medication on time.
5. Tincy’s matron provided no support and reassurance after her diagnosis, reminding her of no available treatment options and the inability to progress in her career and spend time with her children.
6. Tincy received a misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which initially overwhelmed her.
7. Tincy Jose is a senior brother working in urgent care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
8. Tincy believes that her diagnosis was a calling to raise awareness about the importance of timely medication for Parkinson’s patients in the hospital.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. How did Tincy Jose first realize that she might have Parkinson’s disease?
2. How did Tincy’s matron provide support and reassurance after her diagnosis?
3. What is the main goal of the informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with Parkinson’s that Tincy is a part of?
4. According to Parkinson’s UK, what percentage of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time?
5. What advice does Tincy give for living well with Parkinson’s disease?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. Tincy first noticed her symptoms while walking in the hospital corridors and later experienced a tremor in her hand while at church.
2. Tincy felt like she was in a different world and was initially unable to speak when she received her diagnosis.
3. It took Tincy nearly one and a half years to disclose her diagnosis to all of her colleagues.
4. The goal of the informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with Parkinson’s is to raise awareness and ensure that patients receive their medication on time.
5. According to Parkinson’s UK, 58% of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time.
6. Tincy experiences symptoms such as fatigue, stress, and slowed writing as a result of her Parkinson’s disease.
7. Tincy advises being positive, active, resilient, kind to oneself, insightful, nurturing, self-confident, and optimistic for living well with Parkinson’s.
8. Tincy’s son calls her a super mum because she continues to work and take care of her family despite her diagnosis, and she is grateful for their support.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) Tincy
(2) Hospital
(3) encourage
(4) Sinha
(5) treatment
(6) colleagues
(7) informal
(8) disease
(9) symptoms
(10) slowed
(11) progress
(12) optimistic
(13) seeking
(14) support
(15) super
(16) condition
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. overwhelmed
Answer: (G) Feeling completely defeated or unable to cope
2. diagnosis
Answer: (M) The identification of a disease or condition through examination or testing
3. tremor
Answer: (L) A small involuntary shaking movement, typically in the hands
4. reassurance
Answer: (B) Comfort or support given to someone to remove their doubts or fears
5. disclose
Answer: (E) To reveal or make known information or a secret
6. purpose
Answer: (H) The reason for which something is done or created
7. awareness
Answer: (J) Knowledge or understanding of a particular situation or fact
8. medication
Answer: (C) A substance used to treat or cure a disease or medical condition
9. symptoms
Answer: (A) Physical or mental features that indicate the presence of a disease or condition
10. fatigue
Answer: (D) Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
11. resilient
Answer: (F) Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
12. challenges
Answer: (O) Difficulties or problems that require effort to overcome
13. advocate
Answer: (K) A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy
14. obstacles
Answer: (N) Something that blocks or hinders progress or achievement
15. determination
Answer: (I) Firmness of purpose or resolve; the act of deciding definitely and firmly
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. How did Tincy first notice her symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: (d) While walking in the hospital corridors
2. Who provided support and reassurance to Tincy after her diagnosis?
Answer: (d) Her matron
3. What percentage of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time, according to Parkinson’s UK?
Answer: (a) 58%
4. What is Tincy’s goal in raising awareness about Parkinson’s in the hospital?
Answer: (b) To ensure patients receive their medication on time
5. What symptoms does Tincy experience as a result of Parkinson’s?
Answer: (b) Fatigue, stress, and slowed writing
6. What award was Tincy recently given?
Answer: (c) Best Nurse of the Year
7. How does Tincy’s son describe her?
Answer: (c) A super mum
8. What is the main message of Tincy’s story?
Answer: (a) There is life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. Tincy emphasizes the importance of seeking support and remaining determined to rise above the challenges that come with Parkinson’s disease. (Answer: True)
2. Tincy gradually disclosed her diagnosis to her colleagues over a period of one and a half years. (Answer: True)
3. Tincy’s symptoms included experiencing a tremor in her hand and noticing similarities to another individual with Parkinson’s. (Answer: True)
4. Tincy is not a member of an informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, working to raise awareness and ensure patients receive their medication on time. (Answer: False)
5. Tincy’s matron provided no support and reassurance after her diagnosis, reminding her of no available treatment options and the inability to progress in her career and spend time with her children. (Answer: False)
6. Tincy received a misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which initially overwhelmed her. (Answer: False)
7. Tincy Jose is a senior brother working in urgent care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. (Answer: False)
8. Tincy believes that her diagnosis was a calling to raise awareness about the importance of timely medication for Parkinson’s patients in the hospital. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧
