A Personal Note
By Mark Siegel
(Mark Siegel founded CityWatch. He has been my CityWatch publishing partner since its revival in September, 2003. Increasingly over the past few years Mark has turned his attention to an even more important cause. That cause is the subject of this most personal column.)
As many of you know, for the past 10 years I have been suffering from Parkinson Disease. Although at times it has been a struggle, I have learned to live with it and to get the most out of each day.
Parkinson disease is caused by the death of dopamine cells in the movement center of the brain, the substantia nigre causing stiffness, tremors and a host of other unpleasant symptoms. As of yet researchers have not figured out what causes the brain cells to die or how to cure it.
Embryonic Stem cell research is very promising, so are a number of other avenues of pursuit, but I am told we are still years away from either a cure or a therapy that slows down the progression of the disease.
I have shifted the focus of my activism towards insuring that resources are available for both the research community and the families who have been touched by the disease. The American Parkinson Disease Association has been a national leader in funding research, conducting support groups and providing information to families. I currently serve as President of the Los Angeles Chapter of APDA.
So once again, I am asking for your help. Erica and I are organizing a team we are calling Mark’s Parky Warriors, to walk the mile and a half route.
The Walk is on Sunday, April 27th. This year we are gathering on the lawn in front of Santa Monica City Hall. If you are unable to be a “real-time” walker, you can be a virtual walker. It is all explained on the APDA website www.parkinsonla.org. Check it out.
Thank you for your support over the years, I hope to see you on the 27th.
(Mark Siegel is actively involved in community causes and community politics. Siegel is the Founder of CityWatch.)
Info: Click here to visit Mark’s personal page.
Click here to view the team page for Mark's Parky Warriors
CityWatch
Vol 6 Issue 32
Published: April 18, 2008
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