Inspiring mum with Parkinson’s, 54, joins beauty pageant to show strength and self-love

Singapore – Ms. Devika S.P. Maruthanayagam, 54, is captivating audiences as a semi-finalist in the Miss & Mrs ASEAN 2026 pageant. Despite her radiant smile and striking appearance in a red-and-white sequinned gown, she lives with the daily challenges of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition characterized by muscle stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with movement and speech.

A Diagnosis and a Fight

Ms. Devika received her diagnosis in early 2017 at the age of 45, while raising her then four-year-old daughter. Prior to her diagnosis, she was an avid runner and fitness enthusiast. A gym coach first noticed a change in 2016 when she stopped using her left arm for support on the treadmill. Her mother later observed that Ms. Devika would turn her entire torso to look behind her, rather than simply moving her head.

Facing the Challenges

After experiencing involuntary leg shakes, a neurologist diagnosed her with stage four Parkinson’s disease, on a scale of five stages. Ms. Devika has no family history of the disease, although her 78-year-old mother was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s after battling stage four breast cancer.

Initially, the diagnosis was devastating. Ms. Devika retreated from the outside world for eight months, fearing falls. The sadness of not being able to play with her young daughter was particularly difficult. She gradually began walking around her estate, increasing her distances as her confidence grew.

Finding Strength Through Movement

In 2018, Ms. Devika joined the Thaarumaaru Runners, a recreational running group, and began participating in weekly Saturday runs. She has since accumulated over 30 medals, many earned during virtual runs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite worsening symptoms, she continues to prioritize movement, walking and jogging up to 20km a day.

In June 2022, Ms. Devika underwent deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure involving the implantation of a device that sends electrical pulses to areas of the brain controlling movement. Three months later, she resumed her daily runs.

A Pageant with a Purpose

Inspired by a friend, Ms. Devika entered the Miss & Mrs ASEAN pageant in November 2025. She was the oldest of 80 applicants and the only contestant with a severe medical condition. The pageant’s director, Lavania Priya, 37, emphasized that Ms. Devika’s journey demonstrates the power of belief, support, and dedication.

Ms. Devika excelled in the talent portion of the competition, showcasing a fitness routine including sit-ups, a shoulder stand, and a plank. She communicated her message through writing, as her speech is affected by the disease. She progressed to the semi-finalist stage.

Looking Ahead

Although she did not advance to the finals on February 28th, Ms. Devika’s experience has been transformative. She has found renewed purpose and a wider social circle. She hopes to share her story and inspire others living with Parkinson’s disease to embrace life with “pride, strength and self-love.” She has already spoken at a Mother’s Day event organized by the Singapore Indian Association’s women’s wing.

Ms. Devika is supported by her 30-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter, and manages expenses by renting out a room in her three-room flat. Her greatest wish is to remain healthy enough to witness her children’s future milestones, including her son’s upcoming wedding and her daughter’s future life events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by muscle stiffness and tremors, challenges with movement or the lack of it, as well as difficulty speaking. It is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease globally after Alzheimer’s.

How did Ms. Devika cope with her diagnosis?

Initially, Ms. Devika retreated from public life for eight months. She gradually began walking and eventually joined a running group, finding strength and motivation through physical activity.

What was Ms. Devika’s experience with the Miss & Mrs ASEAN pageant?

Ms. Devika was a semi-finalist in the pageant, using the opportunity to inspire others and challenge perceptions of illness and disability. She excelled in the talent portion and found renewed purpose through the experience.

What does it mean to find strength and purpose in the face of adversity?