Jamie’s Surgery Fund for Philadelphia

Jamie Harrelson of Beaufort, SC has Parkinson’s disease and has had Parkinson’s disease for about 12 years now. It has come to a point where his condition is now quickly deteriorating. He has been offered an opportunity to go to Philadelphia for deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure for Parkinson's that can help ease motor symptoms and decrease medication needs. (DBS) is the most commonly performed surgical treatment in Parkinson's. A surgeon places thin metal wires in the brain; these wires send electrical pulses to the brain to help control some motor symptoms. Deep brain stimulation provides excellent relief for most patients’ symptoms including tremor, stiffness (rigidity), slowed movement (bradykinesia), freezing of gait (feet seem to stick to the floor) and dyskinesias. Long-term studies have shown continued improvement in tremor, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia. Many patients are able to reduce their medications and maintain their level of function including independent participation in activities of daily living required to care for oneself. The funds will also be used to help him throughout his one week stay of recovery and healing. Without the surgery he will likely die a slow painful death. Please help us if you can!