Designing A Cure

One in one hundred North Americans over the age of 60 will develop Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and 10% of all cases occur in individuals under the age of 40. There are over one million people living with Parkinson's Disease in North America alone and that number is likely an underestimation.

Parkinson’s disease impacts whole family units, not just those that are afflicted with this condition. Not sheltered from this reality are many children who are witness to the challenges grandparents, older relatives and sometimes their own parents, face when living with PD. At times there may be fear associated with the physical changes they see. Hands that once played purposefully now shake uncontrollably. The masked facies that sometimes occurs, can be difficult for children to interpret since the nonverbal cues of emotion are missing.

Since we fear what we don’t understand, this book will serve to enlighten children about all aspects of this disease. It will also work to empower them to make a change in their families and the community at large by contributing in their own way to the search for better Parkinson’s treatments and ultimately a cure. “Shaky Hands, Loving Hands - A Kid’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease” will put this ambiguous disease into simple terms that will serve to educate and inspire.

Please note that all profits derived from the sale of this book will be contributed to organizations that support Parkinson’s research and programs benefitting those living with this chronic illness.
It is available for purchase on Amazon.com, Amazon Europe, Amazon Canada and CreateSpace.

I am pleased to announce the release of my first children’s book based on Parkinson’s disease, “My Grandpa’s Shaky Hands”. It has been beautifully illustrated by James T. Walker, an Emmy award-winning illustrator for Hanna-Barbera who, like myself, lives with the challenge of this illness.

As a physician, Parkinson’s patient and mother of three beautiful daughters, I recognize the need for resources for all members of our families, including those youngest. I know that education is an integral part of the success of families that learn to cope with this disease. Open dialogue can make a difference in allaying the normal fears that sometimes arise as children witness the effects of Parkinson’s manifest in a loved one. This fun illustrated book with a truly optimistic message will hopefully help in that process.

The challenges of Parkinson’s disease not only affects those diagnosed with the disease but also impacts the whole family unit, including those most vulnerable – our children. Not sheltered from the reality of this disease, many children observe the challenges grandparents, other relatives and sometimes their own parent faces. Bearing witness to these changes if not explained, can lead to a normal fear of the unknown and anxiety

I wrote this book to facilitate the dialogue within families affected by Parkinson’s, the start of a continued exchange of information about this illness and its effects in a way that is interesting, empowering and age appropriate. To this end a second title for older school-age children, “Shaky Hands – A Kid’s Guide To Parkinson’s Disease” is to be released soon. A web-based resource is also being developed to further explore and support families that are on this journey together.

“My Grandpa’s Shaky Hands” honors the natural optimism that children innately have by showcasing a child’s unwavering focus on the abilities of his cherished grandfather instead of the disabilities that may be perceived by others. It is also a touching tribute to a grandfather’s continued ability to find joy in his life and relationships despite facing the challenges Parkinson’s presents.

It is my hope that this book will not only serve as a catalyst for further conversations about Parkinson’s with the youngest members of families but will also capture their interest through the enchanting illustrations and optimistic message.
It is available for purchase on Amazon.com, Amazon Europe, Amazon Canada and CreateSpace.