OK folks, this post is going to be a little different. Consider yourself warned from the get-go (Oh, I hope many of you are wondering, what’s Judy into now? I hope you’ll keep reading with eager anticipation!) For those of you who don’t know me well….well, I’m going to tell you the best that I can, why I blog about PD, why I need a support group, why I speak like I never did before, and why I must make more people aware about Parkinson’s disease. I don’t really like to talk about some of this, but it has to be done.
First, here is the nitty gritty, non-glamorous description of the illness called Parkinson’s disease. I’m gonna try and give you the ‘Judy-explanation’ of it.
Ever thought of our body as a chemical manufacturing company? It is. It makes a lot of chemicals and/or cells needed for various functions to be continuously carried on (red blood cell, skin cells, neurotransmitters all over the place). But sometimes parts of the chemical producing factory shut down (in the case of PD due to various unknown reasons) and then you start having some problems. Ok, so I thought this would be short, but hang with me. In my brain, some little cells in the substantia nigra (the ‘dark part’ of the brain) in the basal ganglia–somewhere in the cerebreal cortex (does this sound like Star Wars yet?) have slowed down their production of dopamine. This dopey chemical is really not insignificant in the body’ s movement protocol . When you get 80% or so low in it, you start having very slow movements and/or tremors. Alright, everyone ready for the quiz? Just teasing on the quiz thing, but I do expect you to at least get a little picture as to what causes the symptoms of PD.
Next is where the dark side of PD is……there is no cure. There is still a lot to know about it for a cure or even other potential therapies to happen. The good scientific people are just waiting for a ‘research stimulus plan’ to help pay for all their efforts in research to help find new therapies, and possibly a cure. But you know what??? They are not going to get major funding from the government because it’s risky business –this looking for a cure stuff. So usually only people who know someone who has PD is willing to hope with them that the efforts they offer to help in finding a cure, no matter how big or small, will make a difference.
You know, I’ve been trying to tell whoever will listen about what PD is about in my life and it may not be much in the grand scheme of things, but I feel like I’ve done at least something. Now I’m realizing my hope for a cure is not for merely a selfish desire. I want others to know, I would gladly wait for a cure, but I have friends with PD who are having a much harder time with it than I am and I’d really like to see them get some help for their symptoms…for this illness. That is why I’m urging, pleading, begging, and doing things like wearing a loud and outrageous coat for a chance to tell others about PD. And my hope is that through awareness others will see the challenge of a cure and help us in some way or another get closer to that goal.
But my plea right now is: you may not see my symptoms or my struggle with Parkinson’s, but maybe you know one of my friends….people who need some kind of rescue from the progressive advance of PD in their lives. I have friends who have suffered more than physical problems from PD….like emotional/mental struggles that have almost been overbearing , and struggles caused by indirect problems from PD that have ripped their families apart, caused financial ruin, and personal hardships that no one should have to endure. Then there is the progression of the illness sometimes leaving a friend ‘frozen’ and trapped in their own body–unable to move. There comes a point the medicines don’t always work the best. Fhere are some friends who will consider a major brain surgery called Deep Brain Stimulation (or DBS for short) to help alleviate some symptoms and maybe take fewer drugs for awhile.
I hope you can understand some of why I blog, why I interact with others in a local support group and online, and why I do some other pretty crazy things for Parkinson’s awareness. And, I hope you can understand why I’m asking you (if you can), would you support the effort for a cure for Parkinson’s disease by donating to any PD organization of your choice? I’m not asking for just myself, I’m concerned for my PD friends….friends who have encouraged me along this journey, and friends for whom I will not give up this fight! I know economic times make it hard on us all, and if you are unable to help monetarily would you please pray for those of us and our families with Parkinson’s? That kind of support is also great appreciated!
Some organizations that provide funding for research and education for Parkinson’s disease are:
Parkinson’s Unity Walk www.unitywalk.org
You may donate in my honor or anyone else who is registered as a walker or team member (I am on Team USA PD Pals or just look up my name).
Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Unity Walk www.michaeljfox.org/ (Please read about an amazing group of people called theRegulars who are bringing awareness to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases at www.theRegulars.org and are affiliated with the Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.)
Thank you for helping my friends and me in this journey. And if you get a chance, pass along a link to this site and/or this article! And know I am thankful for all you do in word and deed, and you can know that I am resolved –I WILL endure for a CURE!
Judy Hensley
You can email me about PD issues and ways you may help fight for a cure at idontnoy@gmail.com. Thanks!
