• Print Page
• Email Page

Participant Testimonials

"I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's 14 years. Eight years ago I joined a clinical trial. I had no idea (nor did the doctors and researchers) what might happen if I did this, because it was the first time for human participation. And this particular trial required brain surgery. You may think it was a tough decision for me and my family, but it wasn't. What did I have to lose? And what might I gain to help me, those with Parkinson's now, and those who might get it in the future? When you ask those questions and put faces - real people - with the now and the future, the decision is much easier. When I think about one of my children or grandchildren having to suffer with this illness, when I see anyone with the disease trying to live a good quality of life, the point is driven home. It's not just about the future - it's about now.”
- Peggy (PDtrials subscriber)

"I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in October of 2005 at the age of 50. I immediately started "googleing" everything as I could not imagine sitting around for a year waiting for my symptoms to worsen. I felt so powerless. In my searches, I came across PDtrials and have been receiving the emails ever since. Within a month of my diagnosis I had enrolled myself into [a] study. In addition to gaining some control and feeling empowered, this has also allowed me to develop a relationship with a Movement Disorder Specialist. I next read about [another] study on PDtrials and I am still participating in that study. I chose each study based on where I was at the time with my PD. I just wanted to let you know what a difference participating in clinical trials has made in my adventure with this disease.”
- Linda (PDtrials subscriber)

"I've been in a PD trial for two years now. My main reason for being in the study is that I can get good care by a physician who is up-to-date on the medicines used in PD. I feel very comfortable with the prescribing doctor I have through the trial. Additionally, he has given me some good advice about how to take the medicine so that it works best for me. [And] while I have to travel out of town to participate in the trial, they have offered to pay my expenses to get there, so it really makes it worth my while. I feel that I am getting the best care possible.”
- Dorothy (PDtrials subscriber)

"I was diagnosed with PD in January 2003. I immediately tried to find out everything I could about the disease. I learned it is progressive and incurable. But I kept telling myself there must be something I could do to fight it. Then I stumbled across "clinical trials” as I searched the internet. I found a listing of clinical trials for PD and located the ones in my community. I focused on one in particular with the potential to be neuroprotective. Here was a trial with great promise – to slow or stop the progression of PD! If I got the drug, and it worked, I’d have the opportunity to get it years before the general population – years during which the progression of this horrible disease would be slowed down, or even stopped…”
- Reprinted with the permission of Jean Burns; from the Winter 2007 "Power Over Parkinson's Newsletter," of the AZ Chapter of APDA