“Hope in Motion: Supporting Parkinson's Treatment”
Donation protected
In the quiet town where life once moved at the leisurely pace of changing seasons, the unexpected visitor of Parkinson's disease began its uninvited stay with Greg and his family. A once vibrant and energetic soul, Greg found himself wrestling with a reality that seemed to shrink his world day by day. Parkinson’s, a relentless thief of movement and peace, introduced Greg to a life where muscle control was a privilege that could slip away without notice.
As the disease progresses, Greg’s daily routines have morphed into challenging tasks. The joy of playing with his grandchildren or cooking his family's favorite meals has been overshadowed by exhaustion, "brain fog," and disheartening weakness in his left arm and leg. Nights became a carousel of disrupted sleep, and every attempt to roll over or stand becomes a battle against his own body. The medications, Carb/Levo ER 50 and Entacapone 200mg, taken religiously four times a day, offered a temporary reprieve from the tremors but whispered the harsh truth that there was no cure in sight. The medications are constant companions, offering relief but also a reminder of his condition.
The search for hope led Greg to discover a pioneering treatment thousands of miles away—the infusion of neuronal stem cells. With a price tag of $12,000, this treatment promised a glimmer of hope, a chance to steal moments back from Parkinson's clutches. Yet, the journey to this beacon of hope is paved with financial hurdles. Travel, accommodation, and the unforeseen expenses of an international medical journey summed up to a daunting target of $15,000. The support of his spouse has been unwavering, but the path will be fraught with uncertainty. In the U.S., trials for similar treatments are underway but tangled in the early stages of research. Stories of complications from direct stem cell injections into the brain, including cysts, infections, and bleeds, paint a grim picture of the risks involved. Waiting is not a luxury Greg can afford. Time is an asset that Parkinson's disease is stealing from him, day by day. The decision to pursue stem cell treatment abroad is not made lightly. It is a leap of faith, fueled by the desire for more time—time to enjoy life's simple pleasures, time with his husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.
The stark reality of having to possibly step away from his job, where he has dedicated 27 years helping others rehabilitate and find their beacon of hope, combined with the stringent requirements for disability benefits, underscored the urgency of his plight. The community's response to Greg's call for help is heartwarming. Donations and, each contribution will be a testament to the impact Greg has had on the lives of those around him. This journey has been more than a quest for treatment; it is a rallying cry and need for the community to pull together, and serves as reminder of the power of hope and collective action.
As Greg prepares for his journey, he will be faced with the daunting task of managing his symptoms, including the persistent tremors and the challenges of daily tasks that many take for granted. The road ahead is uncertain. The treatment offers no guarantees, but in Greg's heart, the flicker of hope burns brightly. He envisions a future where he can once again embrace life’s joys without the shadow of Parkinson’s looming over him. The support of his family, the generosity of strangers, and the promise of emerging medical treatments have fueled his journey—a journey beyond the boundaries of his disease, towards a horizon filled with hope.
As the disease progresses, Greg’s daily routines have morphed into challenging tasks. The joy of playing with his grandchildren or cooking his family's favorite meals has been overshadowed by exhaustion, "brain fog," and disheartening weakness in his left arm and leg. Nights became a carousel of disrupted sleep, and every attempt to roll over or stand becomes a battle against his own body. The medications, Carb/Levo ER 50 and Entacapone 200mg, taken religiously four times a day, offered a temporary reprieve from the tremors but whispered the harsh truth that there was no cure in sight. The medications are constant companions, offering relief but also a reminder of his condition.
The search for hope led Greg to discover a pioneering treatment thousands of miles away—the infusion of neuronal stem cells. With a price tag of $12,000, this treatment promised a glimmer of hope, a chance to steal moments back from Parkinson's clutches. Yet, the journey to this beacon of hope is paved with financial hurdles. Travel, accommodation, and the unforeseen expenses of an international medical journey summed up to a daunting target of $15,000. The support of his spouse has been unwavering, but the path will be fraught with uncertainty. In the U.S., trials for similar treatments are underway but tangled in the early stages of research. Stories of complications from direct stem cell injections into the brain, including cysts, infections, and bleeds, paint a grim picture of the risks involved. Waiting is not a luxury Greg can afford. Time is an asset that Parkinson's disease is stealing from him, day by day. The decision to pursue stem cell treatment abroad is not made lightly. It is a leap of faith, fueled by the desire for more time—time to enjoy life's simple pleasures, time with his husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.
The stark reality of having to possibly step away from his job, where he has dedicated 27 years helping others rehabilitate and find their beacon of hope, combined with the stringent requirements for disability benefits, underscored the urgency of his plight. The community's response to Greg's call for help is heartwarming. Donations and, each contribution will be a testament to the impact Greg has had on the lives of those around him. This journey has been more than a quest for treatment; it is a rallying cry and need for the community to pull together, and serves as reminder of the power of hope and collective action.
As Greg prepares for his journey, he will be faced with the daunting task of managing his symptoms, including the persistent tremors and the challenges of daily tasks that many take for granted. The road ahead is uncertain. The treatment offers no guarantees, but in Greg's heart, the flicker of hope burns brightly. He envisions a future where he can once again embrace life’s joys without the shadow of Parkinson’s looming over him. The support of his family, the generosity of strangers, and the promise of emerging medical treatments have fueled his journey—a journey beyond the boundaries of his disease, towards a horizon filled with hope.
Fundraising team: Team fundraiser (2)
Valarie Faitala
Organizer
Tulsa, OK
Greg Perrin
Team member