By stufflovely
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Necessity has long been the mother of invention, but thanks to cutting-edge technology and the power of social media, the leap from inspiration to reality can happen almost overnight. If you doubt it, ask Jimmy Choi.
Choi is an amazing athlete. He also suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Choi, diagnosed at 27 years old with early-onset symptoms, uses the aptitude to fight his illness.
The four-season American Ninja Warrior veteran has an impressive record that includes one ultra marathon, 16 marathons, 100 half marathons (and counting), plus numerous 5K, 10K, and triathlons.
On top of that, he also raised about $ 500,000 for Parkinson’s research, which he considers his greatest achievement.
In addition to his television appearances, Choi is best known for showing athletic feats through social media to serve as inspiration and positive reinforcement for fans, as well as those facing similar health challenges.
Although dealing with important things rarely baffles you, the little things, like something as simple as opening a prescription bottle, have left you stuck.
In a recent TikTok video, he shared that frustration with his followers. For Choi’s online team, it was the equivalent of firing a starting pistol, and they went on a race to find a working solution.
It started with designer Brian Alldridge, who came up with a Parkinson-friendly pill bottle, but didn’t have a 3D printer to make one. Alldridge passed the baton, published his design, and offered to share his files with anyone he thought could make his idea come true.
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Enter David Exler, aka “the hungry engineer,” who not only ran the next leg of the relay but crossed the finish line with a 3D printed prototype for Choi in record time.
@brianalldridge #stitch with @jcfoxninja Does anyone want to make this guy a container? #3d print
“It really is really amazing to see how the community stepped in,” said Choi. CBC’s As It Happens host, Carol Off. “People who have no connection to Parkinson’s decided, ‘Hey, you know what? I have an idea. And here’s the idea. ‘ And then other people step in and say, ‘Hey, I love your idea. I can help you with that, ‘and the next thing you know, we have a prototype in a few days. “
To keep the momentum going, Exler plans to send a total of 50 units to anyone in need in exchange for a $ 5 donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Meanwhile, Alldridge is investigating manufacturers to discuss mass production. He plans to put all proceeds to non-profit organizations. He has also partnered with a patent attorney to maintain the “open source” status of his design so that other fans can continue to improve as they see fit.
Choi, who was understandably impressed by the energetic response his TikTok video received, was also happy to be able to harness the power of social media for a good cause for change.
PLUS: Successful treatment of late-stage Parkinson’s is ‘beyond the researcher’s wildest dreams’
“There is a lot of negativity, especially in the last few months,” Choi told Off. “But people need to see the positive side that social networks can be used for good things and for things that are helping and making an impact, not just one person, two people … we are talking about thousands of people that this will have. an Impact on. “
Cure your friends from negativity by sharing the good news on social media …
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