Two years ago, he underwent a pallidotomy at Duke University. This innovative surgery restores many long missed functions to patients with PD and, although the surgeons call his procedure "unsuccessful", Daddy now has a better quality of life than he has enjoyed for years. He is once again driving a car and playing outdoors in the garden with his grandchildren. He creates memories for them each day....and each memory for them is a milestone for him.
My father contracted PD at a very early age. Physicians are now diagnosing many more young people with PD. Environmental influences? Drug related? Preventable? So many questions and so little money for research.
This year my mother-in-law has been diagnosed with Parkinson's following brain surgery, and is learning how to walk again. We have yet to discover how the disease will affect her, though it is helpful for her to have my father's experience to compare to. She is having trouble adjusting to her medications, and, like my mother, my father-in-law is struggling with her loss of dignity and mobility.
Parkinsons is a cruel, debilitating disease that is not well understood by the general public. This disease is devasting for the patient and horrible for the family. Money is needed for research! Please consider this very worthy cause as you prepare your planning for charitable giving.
LINKS:
Parkinson's Foundation
The Official PWP (People With Parkinson's) Dumpster Gang Hideout