HYPERLINK
"http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/default.htm"Public Affairs
HYPERLINK "http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/"AFPC Homepage
July 11, 2003
Release No. 051
NCO fights Parkinson's disease one step at a time
By 1st Lt. Brandon Lingle
AFPC Public Affairs
HYPERLINK
"http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/release/2003/07/dderlein2.JP
G"MSgt. Dan Derlein
Master Sgt. Dan Derlein, a computer programmer at the Air Force
Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, is still working more than
a year after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He sometimes uses
voice-driven software, that his co-workers helped him get, when typing
proves difficult. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Brandon Lingle)
HYPERLINK
"http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/release/2003/07/derlein4.JPG
"MSgt. Dan Derlein and Cherri Hummel
Master Sgt. Dan Derlein, a computer programmer at the Air Force
Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, explains a computer program
called "SQL for Analysts" to Cherri Hummel. Sergeant Derlein designed
the computer program while on leave, to help him compensate for typing
difficulties, resulting from Parkinson's disease. (U.S. Air Force photo
by 1st Lt. Brandon Lingle)
HYPERLINK
"http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/release/2003/07/dderlein1.JP
G"MSgt. Dan DerleinMaster Sgt. Dan Derlein, a computer programmer at the
Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, is still working
more than a year after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He
sometimes uses voice-driven software when typing proves difficult.
(U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Brandon Lingle)
RANDOLPH AFB - The string of "A's" scrolling across Dan Derlein's
monitor screen one fall afternoon in 2001 concerned him, not because his
computer could possibly be broken, but because he wasn't intentionally
pressing the key.
Other rogue hand movements and an intermttent limp developed soon after
prompting Dan to see a doctor, thinking that it would not be a big deal.
But after a gauntlet of tests and visits with neurologists, a specialist
diagnosed Dan as having Parkinson's disease, a debilitating and
incurable disease of the nervous system.
"I thought PD was something that happened when people got older," says
the 37-year-old computer programmer who works at the Air Force Personnel
Center. "I didn't know anything about it. I didn't think it was as
severe as it is."
More than a year after the initial diagnosis, this strong-willed family
man continues serving as an active-duty master sergeant in the Air
Force. He recently joined thousands of others in fighting Parkinson's at
the annual Unity Walk in New York's Central Park.
Resulting from a lack of the brain chemical dopamine, this degenerative
disease afflicts more than 1.5 million people, the majority over 60
years of age, according to the Parkinson's disease foundation. Dan is
part of the 10 percent of patients under 50. Those suffering PD endure a
variety of symptoms, including progressively worsening tremors,
rigidity, slow movement, poor-balance and problems walking.
"Basically, my mind has divorced my body," says the Wisconsin native.
"Anything that requires dexterity, like turning a screwdriver or even
putting up Christmas lights is really difficult. I can't play the guitar
any more either - that really hurts."
Medications currently keep Dan's PD in check, but since there is no
cure, the medicine only treats the symptoms and his nervous system
continues to degrade.
Dan's search for understanding led him to the Young Onset Parkinson's
Association's web site. The association's founder, Tom Berdine, is a
former Air Force technical sergeant who chose a medical retirement due
to PD in 2001. After a few e-mail exchanges Dan realized that he and Tom
served together at Misawa Air Base in the mid-eighties.
"It's difficult going through the diagnosis of a chronic, degenerative
disease. Tom understood what I was going through," says Dan. "He really
helped me through the diagnosis and my medical evaluation board. To be
honest, I was more afraid of that board than the disease. I still have
two years before I can retire and I want to be able to finish my
career."
Tom says that he has been contacted by more than 10 military people
seeking advice on their medical boards for Parkinson's in the last year
alone.
Although he temporarily lost his mobility status, Dan passed the medical
board and is still able to do his job programming computers. His
coworkers helped him get voice-driven software that he can use when
typing sometimes proves difficult. He also designed a computer program
called "SQL for Analysts" to help minimize the repetitive typing
involved in his job.
"'SQL For Analysts' is my way to compensate for the loss of my typing
ability with my left hand," says Dan. "Sections that normally took 30
minutes to type and even longer to troubleshoot, now take only five
minutes."
"Dan feels like he's really gone downhill, but his work doesn't show
it," says Cherri Hummel, Dan's supervisor. "He's top notch, an amazing
person. People are always coming to him for help because he's so good
with computers."
"I'm very lucky to be in a unit like this," he says. "The people I work
with are like family, they pushed me to see the doctor in the
beginning."
So when Dan decided to join the team that Tom was forming to help raise
awareness and research money in the Parkinson's Unity Walk, there was no
question that he had his unit's support. Dan's coworkers raised more
than $2,000 through a combination of individual pledges and a garage
sale.
"We're a pretty tight group," says Hummel. "We look out for each other."
Dan's real family is his biggest backer. They raised more than $3,300.
Dan and his 12 year-old daughter, Traci, flew to New York courtesy of
donated tickets that his sister, Susan, obtained. Close to 4,000 people
faced rain and cold weather in the walk against PD. The Young Onset
Parkinson's team alone raised nearly $30,000 for Parkinson's research.
"It was great finally meeting some of the people who have helped me so
much," he says. "It was emotional though too, especially seeing people
in the advanced stages of the disease."
"Meeting Dan or any young-onset [sufferer] in person for the first time
is an incredible feeling," says Tom. "We all have a common bond and
understanding of what is going on inside of us even when we "look"
normal. I am happy that Dan has the support from his family, peers and
the Air Force."
Master Sgt. Derlein plans to continue serving his country as long as he
can and looks forward to a computer programming job after his Air Force
retirement.
"Things may take me a little longer and I might complain a little
louder, but I'll get them done," says the father of three. "I still have
a lot left to do with my life -- like get my kids through college."
To learn more about the medical evaluation board process visit HYPERLINK
"http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/release/2003/07/Medboardinfo
.htm"http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/release/2003/07/Medboard
info.htm. More information about Young Onset Parkinson's disease can be
found online at HYPERLINK
"http://www.youngparkinsons.com/"http://www.youngparkinsons.com and the
Parkinson's Unity Walk website is HYPERLINK
"http://www.unitywalk.org/home.shtml"http://www.unitywalk.org/home.shtml
.
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