Page created by: Katie Burske

There are a few things my father and actor Michael J. Fox have in common, but one sticks out more than the rest, and no, it's not that they both love the game of golf or have a great sense of humor. In fact, it is way more serious than that. They both got diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) at a very young age. Each person with PD has their own story and experience, and this is a glimpse of my dad's. Most people who have Parkinson's Disease were first diagnosed when they were in their 60's or 70's. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's when he was in his for 40's, young onset, which is very rare. We knew something was wrong because it was hard for him to move but had no clue that he had such a debilitating illness until he was diagnosed at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

We spent the next months and years trying to learn about his prognosis and what we could do to make his life better. Ten Million people worldwide are living with PD but an estimated 4% of people with PD are diagnosed before age 50. That 4% includes my dad and Michael J Fox. There is no cure, and the disease progresses to take all mobility and even mental stability. Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder of the brain that affects how you move and operate. Normally the body produces enough dopamine to allow you to move your arms and legs freely, but people with Parkinson's are unable to produce dopamine. Medicine can help, but there is no cure. There are also difficult side effects of the medication that can cause dyskonesias - jerking of the body. Michael J. Fox has early onset Parkinson's and suffers from extreme dyskonesias.

Another treatment for this illness is Deep Brain Stimulation - Surgery to implant electrodes into the brain to electrically improve symptoms of Parkinson's. Not everyone with this disease is a candidate for the surgery, but my dad qualified due to his age, his symptoms, and his willingness to try this. It was a very scary surgery where they drill into the brain while you are awake. It is also a very expensive surgery, and my dad was lucky enough to be accepted into a study where new electrodes were being tested at Wake Forest. He went through many tests, both physical and emotional, to see if he would be a good candidate. After much discussion and prayer, my dad decided to go for it and have the surgery.

It was a difficult process with many months of recovery and experimentation with the power of the electrodes. The Deep Brain Stimulation has helped him a lot, but many symptoms are still there. He has to charge his battery implant twice a week and still take his medication. It helps him walk, move and think better, but his illness will continue to progress.

Thanks to this study and the results my dad has achieved, the device he had implanted into his brain has just become approved by the FDA! Yay! Now anyone who is a candidate for this type of treatment can choose to have the same advanced device as my dad!


If anyone knows my dad, knows him as a strong individual who is an amazing team member, business owner, father, husband, and role model. He is by far the most comical person I have ever met and makes light of any situation. Although he has PD he has NEVER let it define who he is. You can always guarantee a smile on his face and a partner in any game, you name it! My dad is extremely active. He is in a bowling league, plays golf about once or twice a week, is active in spin classes at the YMCA for Parkinson's, and started up his own business a few years after being diagnosed with my cousin where they remodel houses! My dad is my HERO!

Literally, he does it all and continues to inspire and impress me daily. Although he may be doing it all, I know it is truly hard for him each day and that this disease has taken a lot of his ability away, but during his struggles he is optimistic and selfless, and that right there shows me what an amazing father I have in my life. I truly have a strong desire to raise awareness for Parkinson's Disease and want to do as much as I can to help find a cure and aid all patients in improving their quality of life.

There is still a lot to do to help people fighting this disease, and that is why I need your help! I want to help everyone with PD and stop this disease! Money donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation goes straight to research to find a cure. I have a goal to raise $2,500.00 by September 22, 2018, for the Foundation in honor of my dad and all who have PD. Research like the study my dad was in, helps others, and I want to do all I can to help too. Chances are you know someone or of someone with PD. In fact, not only does my dad have it, a member of my boyfriend's family also has been diagnosed with PD recently. We need to find a cure NOW. Any amount will help and make a difference. If you are unable to donate, please continue to pray for my dad and others suffering with PD. Your love and support means everything to us!

My boyfriend's family will be participating in the 11th annual New England Parkinson's Ride on Saturday September 8th, 2018 to pedal closer to a cure. This event is sponsored by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's and 100 percent of the proceeds go straight to the foundation. I will be providing information on how to donate towards their goal for team Stormin' for Norman!
Any amount would help make a difference. To donate in tribute to my dad I will be providing two options. One, click the button above titled "Donate" and two, you can donate through my GoFundMe page which can be found on my facebook! Lets show PD whose boss and help find a cure!!!

I appreciate whoever took the time to read this and want to thank you in advance for supporting my dad and the whole PD community.


Team Stormin' for Normin: This website will not let me post links to other pages so here is a quick way to there page. Go to Michael j fox org website, then at the top click "get involved" then click donate to a fundraiser. It will bring you to a different page and have you search for a team. Type in "Stormin' for Normin" and it should pop up!