This is one I tried to post, Ray
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Cottingham"
<[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2006 10:03 PM
Subject: Parkinson's Patient Deals With Disability With New Invention


> The source of this article is WRAL.com: http://tinyurl.com/bd7uu
>
> Video: Parkinson's Patient Deals With Disability With New Invention
> Next Step Website http://www.icanstep.com/
>
> Parkinson's Patient Deals With Disability With New Invention
>
> POSTED: 6:10 pm EST January 25, 2006
> UPDATED: 9:07 pm EST January 25, 2006
>
> RALEIGH, N.C. -- Mike Tucker is a big guy who loves protecting others. At
> the 1996 Olympics, he was a bodyguard for Michael Jordan, Mary Lou Retton
> and Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.
>
> "I was a police officer, in the gym six days a week, rode a bike 40 miles
> on the weekend, and I could bench press 350 pounds," said Tucker.
>
> But not anymore. While working at the Olympics, Tucker realized something
> was wrong.
>
> "I noticed when I was there, my left side got a lot weaker," he said.
>
> At 40, Tucker developed Parkinson's disease -- a disease that would slowly
> kill his muscles.
>
> "Every day, you get worse than the day before," he said.
>
> He was forced to retire and now works in his wood shop. Tucker was doing
> OK
> until one day he and his family went out for lunch.
>
> "My legs wouldn't take me where I wanted them to, and I was leaning on the
> chairs and watching my family sit there and watch me," said Tucker. "It
> was
> pretty heartwrenching to see them watch me try to get to the table. I was
> determined at that point I was going to do something about that."
>
> That something was his patented invention called the Next Step. He took a
> cane and added a small lever that flips out to the side when the cane is
> pressed down and falls back into place when the pressure is released,
> allowing the eyes to trick the brain.
>
> "I'm not able to move hardly at all," said Tucker. "But if I use this cane
> and I have an obstacle, I can step over it and get the next foot up
> there."
>
> Now at age 50, Tucker's hands and legs still quiver, but he is able to
> walk
> -- all because he refused to give up.
>
> "The cane really is like a miracle for me," he said.
>
> Before Parkinson's, Tucker spent his adult life helping people. He hopes
> his invention will allow him to again help others. For more information
> about Next Step, call (888) 344-7687.
>
> Reporter: David Crabtree
> Photographer: Ken Bodine
> Online Editor: Dana Franks
>
> Copyright 2006 by WRAL.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be
> published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
>
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