When Maren Martin joined her mom, Bev Goff, for Lakewood’s Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery class recently, she brought along her tiara and title, Mrs. Minnesota America 2026.
However, the reason for her visit was much more personal. Beside her was the woman whose strength has helped shape Martin’s life and inspired her to advocate for people living with Parkinson’s disease and the families who care for them.
“Parkinson’s is the disease that she has, but it affects our whole family,” Martin said.
Martin was just a teenager when her mom started showing signs of Parkinson’s disease. Over the years, she has watched her mom adapt to changes while continuing to find ways to create and participate in the things she enjoys.
She has also watched her dad, Pat, grow into his role as a caregiver, a responsibility few people can fully prepare for.
“I think we’ve all grown a lot more patient, and I think we’ve all become a lot more caring about each other and just about people in general,” Martin said.
That experience became the inspiration for her initiative, “Unshakeable Care: Strong Caregivers, Silent Heroes,” which focuses on supporting and advocating for caregivers while raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease.
Crowned Mrs. Minnesota America 2026 in June, Martin is using her year of service to bring greater attention to a cause rooted in her family’s life every day.
A Baxter resident, event planner and sports reporter, Martin has long enjoyed bringing people together. Now, she is putting those skills to work for caregivers and families affected by Parkinson’s.
Her involvement includes working with the American Parkinson Disease Association, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Through volunteering, fundraising, community events and advocacy, she hopes to help families find resources, education and support.
Along the way, she has found inspiration in others living with Parkinson’s who give of their time, organize events, and advocate for their communities.
“They’re really strong and really resilient,” Martin added.
She sees that same determination in her mom and in the people who return to Lakewood Rehab’s Wellness Recovery class each week. They encourage one another and keep pursuing activities that matter to them.
Representing Minnesota has given Martin an opportunity to share that story more widely. At its heart is Bev, the mom who encouraged her daughter’s dreams and whose strength now inspires her daughter to speak up for others.
“I’m just really inspired by how strong my mom is,” Martin said.
☎️ To learn more about Lakewood's Parkinson Wellness Recovery class, contact Lakewood's Rehabilitation Department at (218) 894-8427.
Proud parents Pat and Bev Goff and their daughter Maren Martin, who was crowned Mrs. Minnesota in June 2026. (Photos courtesy of Maren Martin)