Page created by: Eloise (Elle)

Like many people with Parkinsons, I was initially misdiagnosed. For two years I followed a protocol for stroke prevention. As my tremor and foot dragging mysteriously worsened, the "top NYC neurologist" referred me to a psychiatrist -- who sent me to a third neurologist -- who suspected it was Parkinsons disease, and sent me to a movement disorder specialist, who confirmed it.

I am most fortunate to have first world treatment and medications, and first class support from family and friends. But even with these advantages, Parkinson's is a degenerative incurable disease that touches practically every aspect of bodily function. Beyond the recognizable motor symptoms of shaking, stiffness, balance, coordination and facial masking (that "stunned mullet" look that people tend to misinterpret as anger or boredom), this disease affects digestion, sleep, and mood, and can also affect cognition, speech, personality, vision, swallowing, blood pressure, fatigue, temperature regulation, skin, urination, and more.

As of now, the gold standard treatment is a medication called Levadopa. It has been used for over 40 years and has significant side affects including causing dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements similar to tics that you see in Parkinsons patients -- that's from the medication NOT the disease!) People with Parkinsons have very limited treatment options. All medications have negative side effects, and only treat symptoms. Nothing exists to stop progression.

There are trials for new treatments being conducted right now, including biomarkers for early detection, vaccines to stop progression, and stem cell research to reverse symptoms. Please help the estimated 10-million sufferers of this disease, and me, by contributing to find a cure. I believe we are closer than ever to breakthrough treatments, and it is a matter of money and time. I support the Michael J Fox Foundation because 89 cents of every dollar spent goes straight to grants and initiatives to speed a cure for Parkinson's disease. This foundation is also visionary in its broad initiatives, and is extremely well run.

Thank you
Eloise