Dear PPMI Participant,
Imagine being 47 years old, a physician and surgeon with three
teenaged kids and being told that you have Parkinson’s disease.
I am that person, and since that scary day over four years ago, I
have hoped for a cure. And although you do not know me, your
courageous and extremely generous enrollment in PPMI has me
more than hopeful that a cure will be found.
While I was not able to be in the study myself, my husband,
brother-in-law, and several friends stepped up to the plate just
like you. As a physician, I know that this study has an important
task because finding a true biomarker will change the face of PD
research and drug development. And yes, maybe even help find
a cure.
So, no matter how much money is raised or how many clinicians
work together, no progress would be possible without the time,
energy and enormous contributions (urine, blood, and spinal
fluid!) made by you and the other brave individuals who make up
this study subject population.
I am very proud to tell you that I am a member of MJFF’s Patient
Council and as such I get a firsthand account and assessment of
where PPMI stands. I am one of many who are too young to have
this disease. I know I speak for all of us when I say, “You are our
hero.” Thanks so much.
Sincerely,
Karen Jaffe, MD
Person with Young-Onset Parkinson’s
MJFF Patient Council
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