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Warning: I'm leery of this but it was on a NPF site w/Kathryne Holden. Ray 82 Year-Old Man Beating Parkinson's Disease Lee Bender is anything but typical. His personality is fiery and independent. So when Bender was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease five-years ago this June, no one was the least bit surprised at his reaction. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) - May 01, 2009 - Schaumburg, IL: Schaumburg native, Lee Bender is anything but typical. His independent, fiery personality and can-do attitude is the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit. He'd made - and lost millions in his lifetime. Lee took-up body building at age sixty-two. So when Bender was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease five-years ago this June, no one was the least bit surprised at his reaction. Lee fought back like a champion, yet his efforts did little to stop the crippling effects of Parkinson's disease. His trembling hands and numb limbs soon became his jailer - confining him to his bed or chair. On a good day Lee was able to take a few steps with the help of his walker. His condition was degenerating so quickly that last September (2008) his doctor prescribed for him an electric scooter. Out of concern for his father's comfort in his final days, Lee's son, Ed went to his warehouse and dusted his pet project, the Smart Lounge - a zero-gravity vibracoustic motion chair. Although the chair was a favorite among customers at Hammacher & Schlemmer stores where it was displayed, its retail sales never met projections but it is still available. Knowing the comfort that his invention provided, Ed felt compelled to do whatever he could to ease his father's pain. He sent the zero-gravity lounge to his failing father who graciously accepted. With no expectations, Lee struggled with his walker trying to sit in the motion chair. Once in place he turned on the motion, sat back to enjoy the accompanying therapeutic music. To his surprise - and to the amazement of his doctors - after just thirty minutes, Lee could feel his legs for the first time in years. He stood-up and walked without his walker or any other assistance. At his doctor's recommendation, Lee began using the motion chair as a therapy five days a week. Within the last four months, Lee has traded his walker for a cane - and his cane for fifteen pound weights. Now Lee walks unassisted to the gym three days a week to lift weights and inspire others. What Doctors find exceptional and most astounding about Lee's case is that not only has the therapy arrested the symptoms of Parkinson's, but have actually reversed its progression. Bender's condition improves every day. Dr. Kompoliti of Rush University of Neurologists, Lee's doctor, is so impressed with his continued progress that she's recommending a clinical study to determine if the zero-gravity vibracoustic motion lounge chair can produce the same positive result for other Parkinson patients. Lee has bent back the hands of time to where he can walk and function much as he did before the crippling effects of Parkinson's stole his life. His message is one of hope and inspiration to all of those suffering with this painful, dignity-robbing disease. "Michael J. Fox, the de facto spokes person for Parkinson's, is doing a special for ABC called: "Adventures of an Incurable Optimist" slated to air this Thursday, May 7. The one-hour special is certain to raise top of the mind awareness of Parkinson's and the Americans it affects. Interview a man - who like Fox - hasn't given up and is one of only a hand full who has reversed its course: Mr. Lee Bender. Dr. Kompoliti from Rush University of Neurologists may also be available for interviews based on her availability. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Joe Ullrich at Omni Publicity: 813-944-3024. Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn