This is as good a time as any to remind EVERYONE that journalists are not (necessarily) medical specialists and that anything read in a newspaper or heard on TV or radio should be thoroughly checked out with such appropriate specialists. While questions to a national organization (such as the PDF, APDA or NPF) may be answered by a staff member, we all have medical advisers behind us providing us with both education and oversight.
Also, whoever wrote this piece was providing information about his/her personal experiences. These experiences may or may not apply to any other patient or patient's family. I personally have know any number of patients who have never experienced pain as a result of their PD symptoms and know many who continue to communicate (sometimes more slowly or more softly than previously) with those around them - even 20+ years after diagnosis.
My understanding of Mr. Fox's decision to leave Spin City is that the show takes a great deal of his time and energies - both of which he has decided to utilize elsewhere. He's said he's not leaving the entertainment industry; that he would like to direct and produce as well as appear in front of the cameras. He's said he would also like to utilize his name/star status to help others living/coping/dealing with Parkinson's disease as best he can - both for his own ultimate benefit as well as for others. We should applaud him in his efforts, assist him where we can, and take heart that he's helping expose the world of Parkinson's disease to the general public in ways we "non-stars" can't. This will benefit us all.
Jeanne Lee-Rosner
PDF-Chicago
----- Original Message -----
From: Grace Hurlbut
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2000 3:57 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?
