Eric Jones and Opa
A Guiding Light - Parkinson's Disease Within Physiatry
by Eric Jones, PANC Board Member.
Excerpt from Physiatry Forward, Winter 2021
I'll always remember the way his hand shook in mine. It was all I knew, that was just my grandfather, "Opa". Growing up, Opa, had Parkinson's Disease (PD). Receiving his diagnosis when I was just a toddler, I supposed every grandfather must have had shaky hands. However, as his disease progressed, so did my understanding of the intricacies of this multi-faceted condition. While Opa's motor, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms slowly advanced, one thing remained constant: his enduring spirit. As I traverse my way through medical school, his journey remains a steadfast pillar of my devotion to serving my community and the field of physiatry. Physiatry is a lesser known specialty that focuses on quality of life and improving function, mainly in regards to neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. It is sometimes called Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R).
Perhaps my most stark memory came on a routine high school afternoon as I ran on the treadmill at the local gym. Opa's balance had become increasingly concerning at this point, to the point that he needed a specialized walker. As I neared the end of my run, I looked up to see Opa and my grandmother at the front desk purchasing a membership. Naïve to the impact of rehabilitation in PD, I was perplexed by the idea of Opa at the gym. Upon the recommendation of his PM&R physician, he began strength training at the gym in addition to physical therapy. Months later, he even began neuro-boxing, a proven form of neurorehabilitation to increase balance, mobility, gait, and quality of life. In this short time, a spark was created as I was introduced to the novel role of rehabilitation in PD.
As I gathered information throughout my medical education and within the physiatry community, I developed a greater understanding of the physiatrist's role in PD and have become excited about the first PM&R PD fellowship beginning in 2021. While my aim is not to educate on this topic, I grew inspired by the unique value of rehabilitation in PD. Inclined to contribute to this growing field, I had an idea. Last year, I proposed a local 5K run to my university, with hopes of bringing the school, surrounding community, and local Parkinson's community together. Spring was the best time of year for a run, and April just so happened to be Parkinson's Awareness Month. Thus, as a tribute to Opa's dignified fight, the California Northstate University (CNU) Students 5K for Parkinson's was put in motion, with all proceeds being donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
It turns out planning a 5K wasn't as easy as it seems. After months of sorting out city road closures, local sponsors, registration, race timing, etc, the logistical roadblocks made it seem near impossible at times. But seeing classmates' excitement, I couldn't let it go. Our team regrouped and found new ways of fundraising including Pancakes for Parkinson's, and the opportunity to send a runner to the Chicago Marathon as a charity sponsor for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. The 5K was finally coming together: t-shirts ordered, sponsors confirmed, and course approved!
However, COVID-19 struck just weeks prior to the 5K. Although runners could not come together on race day, the community effort was felt as $750 was raised for Parkinson's. Further, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to join the Board of Directors for the Parkinson Association of Northern California
(PANC), serving over 3,000 people affected with Parkinson's through support groups, exercise classes, conferences, and establishment of a medical student volunteer program. I remain grateful to CNU, PANC, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for their unwavering support in making this vision possible.
Above all, I hope this narrative serves as a reminder to continue pursuing that spark, regardless of the obstacle ahead. While the memory of Opa's hand shaking in mine resides, his unwavering grasp and prevailing light remain rooted within me as I continue my journey in physiatry.
Stay tuned, as I will be representing The Michael J. Fox Foundation at the next running of the Chicago Marathon.
New this year, you can join me, PANC and the Lion's Club for the 5K run at the COP Walk at Maidu Park in Roseville on September 18, 2021.
by Eric Jones, PANC Board Member.
Excerpt from Physiatry Forward, Winter 2021
I'll always remember the way his hand shook in mine. It was all I knew, that was just my grandfather, "Opa". Growing up, Opa, had Parkinson's Disease (PD). Receiving his diagnosis when I was just a toddler, I supposed every grandfather must have had shaky hands. However, as his disease progressed, so did my understanding of the intricacies of this multi-faceted condition. While Opa's motor, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms slowly advanced, one thing remained constant: his enduring spirit. As I traverse my way through medical school, his journey remains a steadfast pillar of my devotion to serving my community and the field of physiatry. Physiatry is a lesser known specialty that focuses on quality of life and improving function, mainly in regards to neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. It is sometimes called Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R).
Perhaps my most stark memory came on a routine high school afternoon as I ran on the treadmill at the local gym. Opa's balance had become increasingly concerning at this point, to the point that he needed a specialized walker. As I neared the end of my run, I looked up to see Opa and my grandmother at the front desk purchasing a membership. Naïve to the impact of rehabilitation in PD, I was perplexed by the idea of Opa at the gym. Upon the recommendation of his PM&R physician, he began strength training at the gym in addition to physical therapy. Months later, he even began neuro-boxing, a proven form of neurorehabilitation to increase balance, mobility, gait, and quality of life. In this short time, a spark was created as I was introduced to the novel role of rehabilitation in PD.
As I gathered information throughout my medical education and within the physiatry community, I developed a greater understanding of the physiatrist's role in PD and have become excited about the first PM&R PD fellowship beginning in 2021. While my aim is not to educate on this topic, I grew inspired by the unique value of rehabilitation in PD. Inclined to contribute to this growing field, I had an idea. Last year, I proposed a local 5K run to my university, with hopes of bringing the school, surrounding community, and local Parkinson's community together. Spring was the best time of year for a run, and April just so happened to be Parkinson's Awareness Month. Thus, as a tribute to Opa's dignified fight, the California Northstate University (CNU) Students 5K for Parkinson's was put in motion, with all proceeds being donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
It turns out planning a 5K wasn't as easy as it seems. After months of sorting out city road closures, local sponsors, registration, race timing, etc, the logistical roadblocks made it seem near impossible at times. But seeing classmates' excitement, I couldn't let it go. Our team regrouped and found new ways of fundraising including Pancakes for Parkinson's, and the opportunity to send a runner to the Chicago Marathon as a charity sponsor for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. The 5K was finally coming together: t-shirts ordered, sponsors confirmed, and course approved!
However, COVID-19 struck just weeks prior to the 5K. Although runners could not come together on race day, the community effort was felt as $750 was raised for Parkinson's. Further, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to join the Board of Directors for the Parkinson Association of Northern California
(PANC), serving over 3,000 people affected with Parkinson's through support groups, exercise classes, conferences, and establishment of a medical student volunteer program. I remain grateful to CNU, PANC, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for their unwavering support in making this vision possible.
Above all, I hope this narrative serves as a reminder to continue pursuing that spark, regardless of the obstacle ahead. While the memory of Opa's hand shaking in mine resides, his unwavering grasp and prevailing light remain rooted within me as I continue my journey in physiatry.
Stay tuned, as I will be representing The Michael J. Fox Foundation at the next running of the Chicago Marathon.
New this year, you can join me, PANC and the Lion's Club for the 5K run at the COP Walk at Maidu Park in Roseville on September 18, 2021.