Dear PPMI Participant,
When the three of us came together in 2010 as a team for PPMI, we had no
idea how our recruitment of study volunteers would go. What we did know
was that we faced some daunting hurdles. Would we be able to convince
anyone to take part in a five-year study including multiple lumbar punctures?
In January of 2011, we got our answer. We were contacted by a woman whose
husband had Parkinson’s disease. He was unable to participate in the study,
but she offered to do so. Just like that, we had our first study participant, and
the rest is history.
Many PPMI volunteers we work with have said that their participation is a
way to take control of their disease. Some do it to help future generations
and contribute whatever they can to make a difference in the search for a
Parkinson’s cure. Many of those without PD have a personal connection to
the disease in the form of a pastor, a grandmother, a husband, a wife.
While PPMI volunteers have joined for a variety of reasons, you all have one
thing in common—you truly astound us with your generosity. You give us
your invaluable time and equally invaluable biosamples to make this study
possible. We ask you to give, give, give and you always oblige. None of this
remarkable endeavor would be possible without you.
To our many volunteers, please know that we are amazed by your altruism
and have benefited from getting to know each and every one of you. You
are laying the groundwork for a cure to Parkinson’s to be found. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Irene Richard, MD
Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester
PPMI Site Principal Investigator | MJFF Scientific Advisory Board
Cheryl Deeley, MS, RNc
Nurse Programmer, University of Rochester
PPMI Site Coordinator
Courtney Bishop, MS, MPH
Clinical Coordinator, University of Rochester
PPMI Site Coordinator
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