The Fox Focus Fall/Winter 2019 | Page 27

Fall / Winter 2019 | Community 25 “The Danville d’Elegance Foundation has generated incredible support for Parkinson’s research and patient care over the last fifteen years with over $1.3 million raised for Team Fox. MJFF is grateful to be a key beneficiary of this top Team Fox event in 2019. Liz Diemer Director, Team Fox For Brian and others living with Parkinson’s, “the impact of fundraising is felt when the science you’re supporting has the potential to change your life,” he says. In April, Brian underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS), the most commonly performed surgical treatment for Parkinson’s. The Food and Drug Administration has now approved DBS devices from three different manufacturers for Parkinson’s. The differences in devices widen treatment options for some people, like Brian. In preparation for the surgery, Brian had to slowly wean off his Parkinson’s medications. “This proved much harder for me and my family than I anticipated,” he says. When he stopped taking his medications, he realized just how effective they are at reducing his symptoms and how much further his Parkinson’s had progressed. “The potential for DBS to change our lives brings us so much hope. Hope is something we all take for granted. With a disease like Parkinson’s you worry about your future symptoms rather than look forward to life,” he said. Now months after the surgery, he’s still on a low dose of a few medications, but he has eliminated some of the drugs that caused his worst side effects. This fall, Brian traveled to Washington and Colorado to watch his son pursue his goal of playing football in college. He recognizes the significance of the support of his family, friends and the Danville d’Elegance community not only in the months leading up to the surgery, but in the years following his diagnosis. “When we look back, it will just be a moment that could mean years of quality of life,” he says of those difficult times. Today, Brian is as committed as ever to the mission of Danville d’Elegance. “I’m almost back to my normal, and normal for me is great. Now I want to help others regain their normal, too.” And he reminds us of the important work still ahead: “I have to explain to people that I’m not cured. You might not be able to see my physical symptoms anymore, but I still have Parkinson’s.”