Making Sense of a
Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Dan Kinel began participating in research just
three months after learning he had Parkinson’s
disease (PD). It was an unanticipated decision.
Research was the last thing on his mind. Like
many who are newly diagnosed, Dan struggled
to understand and accept the potential
implications of PD on his lifestyle. He was a
partner in a law firm, and had a young family and
a busy social life. “I went from feeling completely
healthy to having Parkinson’s disease. It sent me
into a deep depression.”
When two of his friends took Dan on a weekend
getaway to New York City to lift his spirits, he
found himself, coincidentally, at the Foundation’s
inaugural clinical trials fair. At this expo, which
connects people with PD to recruiting trials, he
learned of the critical need for volunteers —
particularly those who are recently diagnosed
and not yet taking medication. That information
gave Dan the sense of purpose he’d been seeking
since the day of his diagnosis. He signed up for
two trials before leaving the event.
Since then, Dan hasn’t stopped. Over the past
four years, he’s participated in more than a dozen
observational and interventional studies, both in-
person and online. “I get a different perspective
from each trial I do,” he explains. “I use each
as an opportunity to ask questions, learn from
researchers and do something meaningful to
help myself and others with PD.”
He also has become an ambassador for research,
spreading the word in his community about the
importance of participating in clinical trials, the
need for volunteers and ways to get involved.
Dan says being on the front lines of research
toward a cure energizes and empowers him.
“Participating in research changes the way you
view your diagnosis, the people who provide care
and the world around you. It makes you feel like
you are playing an important role in solving a
problem that affects millions of people.”
Watch more of Dan’s story at michaeljfox.org/ParticipantPack.
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Navigating Clinical Trials: A Guide for Parkinson’s Patients and Families