Michael J. Fox on Oprah
I adore that man.
If you weren't already aware, my mom is living with Parkinson's Disease.
She was diagnosed at the very young age of 36, she's now 49. (For what it's worth, I'll be 31 in September.)
Almost 5 years ago, she underwent brain surgery while participating in a study group. We recently found out she was a placebo patient.
Within the next year she will she will participate in another clinical trial that I believe is very similar to this. (lots of good info there)
For my part, I am in a study that monitors my sense of smell. Parkinson patients lose their sense of smell, so this studies aim is to see if a deterioration can be tracked and aid in early diagnosis.
PD also affects their facial experssions and tone of voice. My mom can be in a great mood, but by looking at her face & listening to her voice, you would never know.
Emma, my sweet girl, knows which pills are which and is always a huge help when she's at my Moms. She gets whatever pills my mom needs and even puts them on her tongue. She helps her stand up, brings the phone to her...and really wants to be able to touch Mimi's brain if they ever do surgery again.
Even the dog helps out, she has trained him to let her hold his collar while he 'pulls' her up from a chair.
While only one member of our family has PD, we all live with this disease. It has changed our lives forever. We have more patience, speak gentler and love more.
This cause is near & dear to my heart.
A cure is not out of reach.
(photo is of my mom, myself & my brother at my baby shower, September 2008)
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