It was almost a decade ago. I came across a paragraph about Dr. James Parkinson and I was surprised and amazed that as a neuroscientist I knew so much about the disease and nothing about the man whose name was given to a debilitating disease. I started researching and learning more, not only about James Parkinson but also about what I did not know about Parkinson's disease, about the organizations helping patients, and the patients, their families and those who make a difference in their lives.
Over the last few years, I have learned so much about James Parkinson as well as the patients who have inspired me to do more. As a scientist I also know that finding a cure and realistic therapeutic applications for Parkinson's disease requires a great deal of funding, more research and bringing organizations and people together. This is not to say that the great organizations which are currently working on this major challenge are not doing enough. These great organizations in the USA, UK and the rest of the world are working very hard to make a difference. We will visit some of these organizations here and will partner with them. The scope we are looking at is not in one location but global. The patients I have met have set these goals for me and many of my colleagues. Achieving what at times seems impossible requires great commitment.
Dr. Shadi Farhangrazi
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