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Alumna Etana Solomon ’14 Returns to Hopkins to Premiere Documentary on Her Mother’s Parkinson’s Journey
On December 13, 2025, Hopkins School welcomed alumna Etana Solomon ’14 back to campus for the world premiere of A Good Run: Finding Peace with Parkinson’s, an intimate documentary she created about her mother, Kathleen Camp, and their shared experience navigating Parkinson’s disease.
The screening, held in the School’s Academic & Performing Arts Center, was followed by a moderated conversation with author and producer Cole Brown. A reception supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation was held before the event.
Filmed over several years, A Good Run traces Solomon’s evolution from daughter to primary caregiver after Camp’s diagnosis, while also honoring her mother’s life story, resilience, and lasting influence. The film blends archival family footage, quiet moments at home, and scenes of Solomon training for and running the New York City Marathon—an endurance effort she undertook in her mother’s honor.
During the post-screening Q&A, Solomon shared what motivated her to undertake this project.
“Capturing my mom’s legacy was a huge part of this,” Solomon said. “There was so much that happened for her, so much that happened for me, that we really hadn’t told each other. I wanted there to be a takeaway from her life. This will be here forever.”
Camp, watching the film alongside the Hopkins community, admitted she still felt nervous seeing her story on screen, but expressed pride in her daughter’s work.
The documentary also explores the role reversal that often comes with chronic illness, as Solomon assumed caregiving responsibilities in her twenties. Solomon spoke candidly about the emotional and systemic challenges that come with that shift.
“There’s a lot of advocacy work that comes with caretaking,” she said. “People think it’s just the one-on-one moments, but so much of the stress comes from systems that are incredibly unsupportive for people like my mom, and honestly for people in my position too.”
Solomon described how caring for her mother required her to “reorient my entire world,” leaning more heavily on friends and chosen family.
“At the end of the day, I still have my mom,” Solomon said. “So I’ll be alright.”
Solomon explained that running has become both a coping mechanism and a symbol of resilience, especially poignant given Parkinson’s impact on movement.
“Running a marathon felt like something hard that I could push myself with,” she explained. “It also helps regulate your emotions. When you’re dealing with this level of intensity and stress, it’s important to exercise. The whole time, I was motivated by her. It felt like we did it together.”
When asked what she hoped audiences would take away from the film, Camp offered a simple message: “Love each other. Just love each other. Look at the person sitting next to you—the person who wants to be there,” she said.
Solomon expanded on that theme, encouraging attendees to learn more about Parkinson’s and other conditions that may not directly affect them.
“I really want people to take it on themselves to educate themselves,” she said. “Once you do, you grow a lot of compassion for what others are going through. Show gratitude for your health and the health of your loved ones, and become educated on things that may not directly affect you, because it helps people like us.”
The event also highlighted Solomon’s ongoing advocacy work through the Parkinson’s Foundation, where she serves on the People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council. Guests were invited to connect with the organization and learn more about research, caregiver resources, and community support.
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