----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2000 1:57
PM
Subject: symptoms of PD
Hello, My name is Grace and my husband, Frank, who is
70 years old, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in July. He probably had it
for 3 or 4 years before it was diagnosed. I'm worried about our
future. Today in the Chicago Tribune, my husband found this
letter.
"The decision of Michael J. Fox to leave
the successful sitcom Spin City brings joy to many who are afflicted with
Parkinson's Disease. My family has witnessed this awful disease
firsthand. It starts slowly, invading the body with muscle pain and
mild tremors. Then it steadily takes away one's ability to walk, sleep,
think and eat. Michael J. Fox must know this. That's why he's
planning to spend a good deal of his time raising money for research.
For, without the research, there will be no cure.
It's too late for Pope John Paul,
Rev. Billy Graham, Mohammed Ali and my mother. Let's hope it's not too
late for Mr. Fox. May his compassion and courage be an example to
others."
The description of Parkinson's that was
used in this letter is what is scaring me. Does Parkinson's take away
one's ability to walk, sleep, think and eat. I know I'm especially
worried about taking a person's ability to think away. How much does
Parkinson's affect the mind?