I just read the Parade magazine article by Earl Ubell - "Yes, I,m
Still Enjoying LIfe." On the positive side, it did clearly summarize the
new treatments available and the current research. I suppose it also
might offer some hope and information for newly diagnosed Parkies and for
people who suspect they might have PD.
BUT that one sentence - "My physician...tells me I am lucky to have
Parkinson's Disease, because it's the one major brain disease that has so
many effective drugs with more on the way," destroyed any positive
reactions. How many of us actually feel "lucky" to have PD? How can one
write about PD research without mentioning the funding issues and the
Udall Act? In fairness to Mr. Ubell, it is possible those facts were
edited out of his article by Parade.
I agree with Rita that this article does not educate the public on
the realities of living with PD. Although it could possibly be used to
open the door for more meaningful publicity, if those of us who are not
feeeling so "lucky" to have PD write to Parade and also to our local
newspapers that carry the magazine, and tell them why. Perhaps Parade or
the newspapers will publish follow-up articles. I found that our local
paper - the Buffalo News tends to publish only letters concerning
articles they have already run. I think this is the time to try again.
The editorial address for Parade is listed as: Pararde Publications,
711 Third Ave. New York, NY 10017 or e-mail through their web site:
www.parade.com. The health editor is Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld.
Linda Herman
