Rachel Reid, the Canadian author behind the popular Game Changers book series, has revealed that the international success of the TV adaptation of her novel Heated Rivalry has directly led to her receiving specialist medical support for Parkinson’s disease.

Reid, 45, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the summer of 2023. The diagnosis coincided with the news that her series, which explores a secret same-sex romance between two professional ice hockey players, would be adapted for television.

TV Spotlight Leads to Medical Breakthrough

In an interview with Variety, Reid explained how media attention around the show connected her with world-class Parkinson’s specialists.

“Jacob Tierney [the show’s director] was on CNN a few weeks ago, and the interviewer asked him about my Parkinson’s diagnosis. I thought it was a bit odd, but the next day one of the top Parkinson’s experts in the world reached out to me to offer help,” Reid said.

Reid, who lives in a small community and had previously been on a five-year waiting list for specialist care, now has a scheduled appointment with a neurologist. She described the development as potentially life-changing:

“That could change things for me because I’m not really getting the treatment that I should be getting. He also advised changes to my medication so I could sleep—something I never could before—and now I can sleep through the night, which really helps with writing.”

Challenges Writing with Parkinson’s

The disease has significantly affected Reid’s ability to write. Parkinson’s symptoms, including tremors and muscle stiffness, make it difficult for her to use a computer mouse or type for extended periods.

“It’s hard for me to sit in a chair for very long. I need to figure out new ways to write, maybe voice-to-text, though it doesn’t feel natural yet. Writing takes me much longer now,” Reid explained.

Despite these challenges, Reid continues to focus on her writing career while advocating for awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

Heated Rivalry TV Adaptation

Heated Rivalry has become a breakout hit internationally, drawing attention for its engaging portrayal of a romantic and competitive relationship between hockey players Shane and Ilya, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. The show is set to launch in the UK on 10 January 2026 on Sky and streaming service Now.

The television adaptation has increased global awareness of Reid’s work and inadvertently helped her secure access to the specialized care she urgently needed.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder caused by loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Common symptoms include:

• Involuntary shaking or tremors
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness and rigidity

Parkinson’s is a long-term condition that worsens over time, but early access to specialist care and medication can significantly improve quality of life.

Reid’s Ongoing Impact

Reid first published her Game Changers series in 2018 and has since released six books, exploring themes of rivalry, ambition, and LGBTQ+ relationships in professional sports. She has used her platform to raise awareness of Parkinson’s while continuing to inspire readers worldwide through her writing and television adaptation.

“The success of the show has brought unexpected help for my health. It’s amazing how something creative can connect people and change lives,” Reid said.