Deep Brain Stimulation for Dan

I am a career police officer and up to my diagnosis of early onset Parkinson’s disease I was a front line serving police officer. I started my career in the Honolulu Police Department then transferring to the Federal Way Police Department in Seattle, Washington. Prior to that I was in the U.S. Navy for 10 years. 

As my symptoms progressed, however, it became clear that I could not continue in this role as the nature of the disease is such that my legs and sometimes arms will freeze up and I am unable to move, which of course cannot happen when answering a call to help.

I am only 52 and hoped to have many productive years ahead, but unless I can get Deep Brain Stimulation my ability to even carry out my desk work duties will diminish and I will no longer be able to function in a normal way.

My medications are not really coping with the escalation in symptoms now and as the disease progresses will become even less effective.

My wife and I have six children, the youngest of whom is 11 and the oldest being 21. All but one are still living at home. I would like to think that I will be around long enough to meet any grandchildren we may have, but the rate at which my Parkinson’s has progressed since I was diagnosed at the age of 49, is alarming, to say the least.

According to my doctors I am an excellent candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation therapy which could significantly relieve my symptoms for up to 10 years. However, it is very expensive and not covered or at least subsidised by Medicare, and my wife and I have no hope of affording it without some fundraising.

Any funds raised here will go towards the treatment and associated costs involved with having to go to Perth for it as we have no family in Perth anymore with whom we could stay. Should there be any ‘leftover’ funds, they will be either donated to the Parkinson’s association or put aside for further treatments, should I require them. Any help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated. 

Ultimately, I would like to see Deep Brain Stimulation therapy become more accessible for people like myself. Being diagnosed with a progressively debilitating disease such as Parkinson’s at a young age, but with so many good years ahead of them in which they could still live and work and be a productive member of society, but are unable to due to their condition, is devastating to say the least. But DBS is unaffordable for most.

Thanks,

Dan and Kim