“ What I had in mind was an organization built for speed , eschewing bureaucracy and taking an entrepreneurial approach toward helping researchers find a cure for Parkinson ’ s . My name attracts attention , provides access , and therefore helps us achieve our goals somewhat faster than we otherwise might .
But the fact remains , I have this disease . This is not a role I ’ m playing . Like any other patient , my participation is uniquely informed by my experience . I know the issues , I ’ m compelled to understand the science , and I share my community ’ s sense of urgency .”