What do Gerry Haines, Lehigh Valley native and former teacher, and Michael J. Fox, Canadian actor and international celebrity, have in common? Both have been personally impacted by Parkinson's disease and both have enlisted in the battle against it.

The Parkinson's Action Network defines Parkinson's as "... a chronic, progressive, neurological disease attributed to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells."

As part of the ongoing campaign to raise public awareness concerning Parkinson's, Haines spoke at the May 14 TRIAD (The Right Information and Direction) meeting.

Haines's connection to Parkinson's began in 1987 when her 46-year-old husband was diagnosed with the illness. For the next 22 years she served as his caretaker and advocate.

Haines has since become the state director for Parkinson's Action Network. Generously expending time and energy, Haines addresses organizations, lobbies in Washington and disperses informational materials. In addition, she runs a free support group at Lehigh Valley Health Network's Muhlenberg Hospital campus.

As Haines explains, Parkinson's is a particularly difficult disease to diagnose and treat because the cause is currently unknown. It is not clearly tied to either hereditary or environmental factors. Many sufferers experience tremors and weakness and/or mobility problems. A sudden change in handwriting and/or loss of the sense of smell may occur. Some patients have episodes when for short periods of time they are unable to move. However, Parkinson's is a designer disease, meaning that each person's symptoms are individualized.

If Parkinson's is suspected, Haines advises obtaining the opinions of two doctors concerning treatment. Because every patient demonstrates a unique combination of symptoms, she believes "The first rule of a good neurologist is that he listens to you [the patient]" very carefully. Another variable of this disease is the rate of deterioration. In some, the illness progresses rapidly, in others slowly. After being diagnosed, Haines's husband maintained his normal work schedule for seven years.

According to Haines, the slowing of bodily functions inspires many sufferers to "think outside the box" and to accomplish goals they once considered impossible. For example, upon retirement one courageous person enrolled in an acting class and joined a troupe of stand-up comedians. He enlightens his audience and copes with Parkinson's through humor.

As with most chronic illnesses, Parkinson's creates a ripple effect. Haines encourages caregivers to recognize the strain the disease places on the family and to develop outlets for their own stress. Help is available through local support groups, the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., APDA Young Onset Center, PAN, and APDA National Resource Center for Rehabilitation. The National Parkinson's Foundation distributes free packets which include an identification bracelet and information to assist caregivers.

In addition, innovative treatments are helping Parkinson's patients to regain control of their lives. Previous surgical procedures helped to alleviate some of the symptoms but also destroyed segments of the brain. A new technique, deep brain stimulation, often eliminates tremors without damaging the nervous system. However, Haines warns the treatment is not without risk and advises those considering it to contact a physician who has extensive experience in the treatment of Parkinson's.

In many respects, the disease remains an enigma. The search for a solution to the Parkinson's puzzle connects people as divergent as Gerry Haines and Michael J. Fox. By heightening public awareness and generating support, they are helping to piece together the clues and ultimately discover a cure.

For more information contact the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. at 800-223-2732 or visit www.apdaparkinson.org.