Fox Focus I PPMI Special Edition 7
Jerry Pollack , 83 , a retired manager of an energy company in Meridian , Idaho , does not have Parkinson ’ s , but his dad , brother and sister all did . His family is why he participates in PPMI at a site in Seattle , Washington . “ You just never know how the results of this study might influence future generations ,” says Jerry . “ I consider myself fortunate that I can participate and maybe be part of something that has a productive and positive outcome . As long as I can , I ’ m going to keep going .”
Bill Rasmussen , 88 , the storied founder of ESPN , was diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s disease in 2014 . Today , he is using his platform to educate others on the invaluable contribution they can make by participating in research , especially in the first days and months after a diagnosis . A member of MJFF ’ s Patient Council , Bill joined PPMI “ not just because I was diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s , but also because I ’ m drawn to the power of big , new ideas for change .”
Everyone can play a role in research toward better brain health .
PPMI is especially committed to enrolling people of diverse backgrounds into the study . This could help create a more complete view of Parkinson ’ s and help scientists develop treatments that work for all patients ( read more on page 17 ).
Join the study that could change everything . Learn more and get started today at PPMIonline . org .
Share Your Story with Us
The Michael J . Fox Foundation is always looking to feature PPMI participants in our communications . If you ’ re interested in sharing your story , please email
shareyourstory @ michaeljfox . org .
Men Are Especially Needed
More women join — but the study needs the majority of its 100,000 volunteers to be men aged 60 and up . PPMI has a special need for men because historically , Parkinson ’ s skews more male . Additional research can help determine if biology or diagnosis trends — perhaps dismissing women ’ s symptoms — are responsible . Greater understanding could lead to new treatments to stop or even prevent Parkinson ’ s and increased efforts toward more equitable care . Enroll now at PPMIonline . org .