I imagine some of you were wondering if you would hear from me this year regarding the Parkinson’s Association’s annual fund raising 5K walk/run. The walk is “on,” and Ted’s Tattooed Terminators is up and running for what may be the team’s last hurrah.  I can no longer walk independently, but plan to be riding my new bright-red electric scooter on Sunday, June 11, 2017. 

Last year we raised, with your generous help, nearly $12,000.  My faith-goal for this year is $15,000.

My multiple system atrophy (MSA--in the "Parkinson's Plus" category) is relentless.  There has been significant degeneration since I wrote you regarding last year’s walk.   I had another brain surgery, to re-position the deep brain stimulator probe which wasn’t calming tremors on my left side, as was hoped.  The repositioning didn’t work.  So, I live with mild to wild tremors in my left hand and foot.  My Pisa Syndrome now gives me a leftward tilt.  I occasionally choke on my own secretions and have a “deviated” trachea.  Something new is apraxia of the eyelids, for
which botox shots proved ineffective.  The list goes on.  One positive medical note is I had cataracts removed from both eyes and can now read without glasses.

But I’m still vertical and above ground, and am pressing on toward my 75th birthday (in December) and our 50th wedding anniversary (next February).  I really hope to reach these milestones, but I can’t do it without my dear spouse and a wonderful caregiver (I need assistance with all five ADLs).  I’m no longer driving, but so what:  I have two excellent chauffeurs.  And I can always think of someone sicker than
I am, like the 16 year old daughter of friends who just had a heart transplant.  God is good..  A “new” folk song says it better than I can:  “My life goes on in endless song, Above earth´s lamentations; I hear the real, though far-off hymn, That hails a new creation.”

So will you join me, and Ted’s Tattooed Terminators, for a (perhaps) final Parkinson’s run/walk?  Last year, because of your generosity,
we raised over $11,000 for research and services to PD patients in San Diego.  I’ve set a higher goal for this year, confident that, even if you can’t walk or run with us, your generous giving will encourage us all and make a significant difference for those suffering from some type of PD.  

Here's the link to donate NOW: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ted-Kornweibel

Thank you!