A Family Rallies to Support
Genetic Research
In 2008, P atti Meese was having fun, enjoying
her family and loving life. She had a successful
career and lots of friends. “ When Parkinson’s
hit, I spiraled into a deep depression,” she says.
“I stopped talking to my friends, going out and
exercising. I s tarted shuffling and walking with a
cane for balance, and my left leg was dragging.”
Things turned around for Patti after she began
physical therapy. A s she gained strength and
stamina, she decided to educate herself about
Parkinson’s disease ( PD) a nd the latest research.
“I wanted to help myself feel better and move
better,” she says.
While participating in a study, Patti got surprising
news: She carries a mutation in the LRRK2 gene,
which is linked to PD.
Although no other members of her family have
shown signs of PD, Patti wondered if any of them
also carried a mutation. “ I gathered everyone
together at a family barbecue,” she recalls, “and
asked if they would help move Parkinson’s research
forward by getting tested for this mutation.”
Patti explained that a genetic counselor would
guide them through the process, answer questions
and help them understand the results. Her
daughter and four sisters volunteered right away.
Ultimately, her daughter and one sister found that
they carry LRRK2 mutations. Neither has PD, but
both are now enrolled in Parkinson’s studies.
Participating in research has made Patti feel more
confident in her life with PD, and being a research
advocate gives her a sense of purpose. O ver
time, she has come to see her PD journey as an
opportunity or even a gift calling her to action to
help others with this disease. She says, “ I hope to
help people live a better life and move research
forward — maybe even help pave the way for
finding a cure.”
Watch more of Patti’s story at michaeljfox.org/ParticipantPack.
s e i l i m
a F d n a 2 s —
t n e Research
i t a P s ’ n o Participation
s n Chapter
i k r a P r o 3 f —
e throughout
d Genetics
i u G A : s l Your
a i r T Parkinson’s
l Parkinson’s
a c i n i l C g n Research
i t Journey
a g i v a N
Chapter
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