Texas Social Work and the Dell Medical School teamed up to co-host a screening and discussion of “The Only Day We Have,” a documentary by Vanessa Reiser and Dean Allan Cole. First aired on Austin PBS in December 2024, the film explores the resiliency, humanity and intentional living that emerges from a young-onset Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
In the film, Dean Cole discusses the challenges and opportunities of a young-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis with other individuals who received a young-onset diagnosis, including former NBA player Brian Grant, Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi, and Austin graffiti artist and muralist Federico Archuleta. He also talks with medical experts about the history and realities of the disease.
“With Parkinson’s, you learn to risk being human,” Dean Cole, who was diagnosed at 48, shared with attendees. “It has made me a better leader and helped me understand that relationship matters.”
After the screening, a panel answered questions from attendees which included faculty, staff and students associated with Dell Med and Texas Social Work. Joining Dean Cole on the panel were Joan Asseff, LCSW-S, Texas Social Work assistant dean for master’s programs; Gregory Wallingford, M.D., assistant dean for Professional Fulfillment & Well-Being at Dell Med; and Erik Krause, D.O., Dell Med assistant professor of neurology.
Dean Cole also revealed how music has become an unexpected ally, stating that he notices more “vividness in the world” and his “symptoms are better” when he plays bass guitar.
As the evening ended, the dean and panelists reminded attendees of the profound impact of their chosen fields, and how preparing to do work in medicine and patient care matters. The event was the first of many collaborative events to come between social work and Dell Med, as Texas Social Work continues to lead as innovators in behavioral health and excellence in education.