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I've been following with awe our List-sib, Ivan, in his struggle to get the caregiver assistance he needs in order to maintain his independence and continue to remain in his own home while disabled by PD. I'm also awed by the overwhelming virtual world-wide response (30-odd nations are represented here on the List) across the miles in order to share suggestions, ideas, and loving support to Ivan - if not in person, at least via email, Listmail, and telephone. AMAZING! I'm SO happy to see that there's SOME relief, if not the total relief we all wish for Ivan, in this ongoing caregiver nightamarer he's been living with. Hopefully out of this problem Ivan'll be able to build up a list of individuals in his hometown who can physically respond, rather than having to count on the physically scattered world-wide virtual community which, by virtue of the great distances between us all makes it mighty tough - if not literally impossible - for us to rush to Ivan's side as we'd like to do. From my home in Los Angeles, as I watch this drama unfold on my 'puter monitor via email posted to the PD List, the sheer logistics in this whole "Ivan's Caregiver Nightmare" have been astounding! Ivan called upon the List-family for help, and by God, collectively AND individual the help was there in one way or another! It seems to me that THIS experience is just crying out to be shared with the world via a multi-media approach, say, via local radio in the Maine area, and national and world-wide TV-segments on tele-news magazines such as "Primetime," "20/20," "Oprah," etc. I think it'd be sad to miss this wonderful opportunity to engage the interest of the media-involved (millions, at the very least!) in Ivan's moving and inspiring human interest story. By Ivan's having PD and at such an early age, he comes across as very REAL to a wide number of age groups. Plus, verbally Ivan is able to articulate well as a Parkinson's advocate. (And, not only that... errrrr..... he's "camera-friendly 'cause of being a total fox!) <grin> Seriously, let's not miss this chance to garner publicity for PD! Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] Ivan's always been a terrific spokesperson for us all and I feel pretty confident in saying he'd give this type of media blitz z his eloquent best just as he has in the past (after he's had a bit of a rest & recovery from THIS terrible experience tho!) Whatcha say, Ivan 'n folks - is this a potential great human interest story AND a Parkinson's story AND a List-family story to share with the media, or not? I sure think so! Barb Mallut [log in to unmask]