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MICHELLE LANE AWARDED 2004 LOUIS FISHMAN ADVOCACY AWARD by Peggy Willocks |
The Louis Fishman Award is the result of one man's legacy to recognize excellence in Parkinson's Disease advocacy. I was privileged (and quite surprised!) to receive this award myself at the PAN Forum (Parkinson's Action Network) last year (2003). This year's recipient, Michelle Lane, hasn't been involved that many years in PD advocacy, but she makes up for the seniority with the multitude of hats she wears in the name of Parkinson's awareness and advocacy.
I met Michelle three years ago at an APDA retreat in Ocean Springs, MS. I recall thinking, "How young to have PD!" when she told us she was only 33.Also, I remember asking, "Why doesn't she take L-dopa?"
Michelle's obvious tremor seemed to me to be an easy enough thing to stop with dopamine therapy, as I have seen it work for many. Since that time, however, research has shown that it is wise to hold off as long as possible on dopamine therapy. I wish I had known that. Troubled now with dyskinesia and especially painful dystonia, this might have been delayed and possibly even prevented as both are a side effect of long-term dopamine therapy.
We learn by trial and error! Michelle still has a tremor, but it seems better controlled three years later. Since October, she is now on disability, but wears a "patch" on each upper arm. The "dopamine agonist patch" is the Rotigotine patch clinical trials of Schwarz & Aderis, a study through LSU Medical Center. Reminding me of myself, Michelle may be "retired," but she certainly isn't letting moss gather under her feet! Some of her duties and activities include:
Offices:
PAN State Coordinator for Louisiana
President of PAL (Parkinson's Association of Louisiana)
YOPA Representative for Louisiana (Young Onset Parkinson's Association)
Activities:
Held several successful fundraisers - another one planned soon (2nd Annual Walk-a-Thon scheduled for April 17, 2004)
Serves as a resource for speaking engagements and awareness talks for local and state-wide events
Michelle's list of accomplishments and involvement goes on and on. My guess is it will continue that way until "we" find a way to beat this disease. Congratulations to you, Michelle, for being an excellent example of what PD advocacy is all about. (And it's a good thing I received the Fishman Award when I did - what competition!)
Contact information:
Michelle Lane - President
Parkinson's Association of LA (PAL)
P. O. Box 10303
New Orleans, LA 70181
Phone: 504-915-3072
Fax: 504-738-5535
E-mail: michelle@parkinsonsassnoflouisiana.org