When all the flap over Rush Limbaugh's commentary on Michael J. Fox's political commercials broke over the airwaves, I found myself thinking a lot about an friend and colleague in California who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease eight years ago at the age of 39. It has been a while since I'd heard from him. In this wildly interconnected universe, I'm no longer surprised at the timing of things... I've heard from him recently and it's great news.
Jamey is a graphic artist who does web-based animation and illustration work for a large company based in California. He has always enjoyed hobbies that require fine motor skills and concentration -- sports, video games, computers, drawing, stop-motion animation, etc. Heck, when we worked together we both spent tedious hours drawing schematics for technical publications. So, as you can imagine, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease certainly make his work and his hobbies very difficult; however, he perseveres with the love and support of a wonderful family and a supportive employer.
He has recently undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. So far, it seems to be providing some relief from his more severe symptoms; he's regaining some independence and is able to enjoy his hobbies again. Jamey has documented his experience in his own graphic and comedic style via a website called "Jamey's Brain."
If you're interested in knowing more about the ordeal that patients go through in search of relief from the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease, this site is full of very entertaining information as well as photographs. I believe he will be adding some animation to it as well. It sure looks like Jamey's brain, with the help of DBS, is allowing him to enjoy his favorite pastimes again and to educate the rest of us along the way!
Thanks for providing the world with a wonderful resource for learning more about Parkinson's disease and DBS, Jamey. Hang in there, my friend. It's great to see you smiling!
Jamey is a graphic artist who does web-based animation and illustration work for a large company based in California. He has always enjoyed hobbies that require fine motor skills and concentration -- sports, video games, computers, drawing, stop-motion animation, etc. Heck, when we worked together we both spent tedious hours drawing schematics for technical publications. So, as you can imagine, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease certainly make his work and his hobbies very difficult; however, he perseveres with the love and support of a wonderful family and a supportive employer.
He has recently undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. So far, it seems to be providing some relief from his more severe symptoms; he's regaining some independence and is able to enjoy his hobbies again. Jamey has documented his experience in his own graphic and comedic style via a website called "Jamey's Brain."
If you're interested in knowing more about the ordeal that patients go through in search of relief from the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease, this site is full of very entertaining information as well as photographs. I believe he will be adding some animation to it as well. It sure looks like Jamey's brain, with the help of DBS, is allowing him to enjoy his favorite pastimes again and to educate the rest of us along the way!
Thanks for providing the world with a wonderful resource for learning more about Parkinson's disease and DBS, Jamey. Hang in there, my friend. It's great to see you smiling!
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