QUEST FOR A CURE! by Callie Judd |
After 18 years contending with Parkinsons, my 74-year young husband for 28 years almost died…he could no longer walk, talk or swallow at times. All the time he carried his head down and to his left, drooped onto his chest tightly… the bedsores and drooling were taking their toll…and then we began our quest – and our lives will never be the same!
I invite you to join us on our quest – to be active or passive. Come along as we strive to answer the questions I introduce to you today. The present truly is a gift and tomorrow’s mysteries will, so soon, be history. As the world awakens to a new day of hope, the joy in our life is so intense we just have to share our QUEST FOR A CURE! !
Why would a person go on a “quest” for something as illusive as a cure for a major degenerative condition like Parkinson’s? Oh, I know everyone “looks” for the cure, with all eagerness and sincerity, but what does it REALLY mean to go on a “quest”? What events would bring a person to devote their full energies and resources to such an endeavor? What events would make anyone think they had an inkling of a chance of finding the answer? What does a person do while on the quest? What physical, emotional, spiritual changes do people encounter during the quest? Where does a person travel to accomplish finding such answers? In a car? Airplane? Van? (Parkinson’s makes travel such a challenge!) Would answers be found in “cyberspace? In the mind? (The study of brain functions is pervasive nowadays) Will a cure be found in books, letters, and research publications? Suppose a cure, or a therapy leading to a cure, was found – what would be the next step? How would a person go about actually trying to accomplish acquiring the cure for him or herself? Or if it was for a loved one, how could a person convince the other to participate in something, which could be life-threatening to some degree?
So, when, if a person wanted to pursue one, would the quest actually start . . . at time of first diagnosis – 5yrs –10yrs – 20 yr. later? Invariably, first thoughts at the time the affliction is noticed is to stop the symptoms i.e. tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, loss of ability to dress, to work, to think!!! The “cure” is always there, tucked away like a haunting melody in the background, but when does a person become actively involved in daily pursuits related to the ultimate solution, not just dealing with the symptoms?
In thinking of the word “quest”, who involves themselves in the cure to any disease or condition? It could be doctors, caregivers, friends, patients, relatives, politicians, neighbors, researchers and on and on and on…. Other words meaning a quest include: pursuit, expedition, mission, crusade, hunt, search for, track down, stalk. Thus, to be on a quest insinuates more aggressive action toward finding the cure. It is not a passive word – it requires action, focus, being intent on a specific goal. Not everyone is desirous or equipped to be “on a quest” – by choice or necessity, they may be involved “in the cure” but not “stalking the cure” – not able to be an active participant (as opposed to a passive recipient). Be assured there is no element of judgment to be made, passive or active, as all are essential to finding the ultimate goal. Indeed, many folks may move from passive to active roles and back again, perhaps many times, within a lifetime. So I invite all readers to think about their own journey as it relates to our quest and hope you find the exchange of information helpful and stimulating.
In conclusion, I bet you’ve never seen quite so many questions on one page! Perhaps that’s due to the realization that in medicine there are far more questions than answers. In the months to come I intend to explore various aspects of these questions, with our past experiences as well as current details, which will include our personal ambitions, activities, problems and progress as we trod down the trail of Parkinson’s, steadily engaged in our quest for a cure.
Authors Note: It is earnestly hoped that any references or viewpoints given in these articles in no way offend any reader. Any questions, comments and/or discussion is welcomed by writing to judd7052@bellsouth.net You may now also visit our website at: www.questforcure.net
|