Dear Carole,

I have enjoyed the discussion. Much has been covered. Hard for me to believe I have found myself as an "advocate" for the Pope! But you and I obviously agree on many other points, such as:

But I still believe that Parkinson's is more difficult to
accept and acknowledge BECAUSE it is a BRAIN disease, which conjures up
the idea of a "mental" illness. And THAT scares people.          Carole

At the risk of another pun after the "Pope" discussion, I offer on this a hearty "Amen!" And I do thank God that "times they are a changin'!" But NEVER too soon!

Thanks again for your thoughts! glenna

Carole Hercun wrote:

Hi Glenna-Perhaps it seems that I have unfairly singled out Pope John
Paul for his lack of acknowledgment of his PD. I couldn't find the
reference but I believe it was Bob Woodward who first reported about
it. At any rate, other famous public figures have attempted to hide the
disease i.e. Michael J.Fox until it became too obvious to conceal (or
the tabloid press was after them.) Mohammed Ali's camp denied it for
years. Janet Reno apparently pretends it isn't there. Also Katherine
Hepburn.Myself. We less than famous types can also suffer from denial.
Maybe its the stigma of ANY chronic illness. Maybe its nobody's
business. But I still believe that Parkinson's is more difficult to
accept and acknowledge BECAUSE it is a BRAIN disease, which conjures up
the idea of a "mental" illness. And THAT scares people. Carole
52/51/?45
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