Defeating Parkinsonism for Timothy

Tim has devoted his life to helping others in a number of ways. He was a hot shot firefighter, a Forest Service Boat Ranger, cofounded the North Cascades Institute and later after completing a masters degree in psychology, he became a psychotherapist. He headed a clinic that specialized in the psychological treatment of patients referred for problems involving anger and violence. Lastly, he taught psychology for 25 years at Prescott College in Prescott, AZ.

Tim has struggled with the symptoms of "Parkinsonism" for a long, long time even while teaching.    He is currently being treated in the traditional way that mainstream medicine prescribes--lots of medications.  He also has a "DBS" (Deep Brain Stimulator) device implanted in his brain. 

About a year ago, the battery for his DBS shut down and he lost control of many body functions.  He has spent the last year relearning how to feed himself, how to walk and other activities of daily living.  Even though he has made outstanding progress these skills are still undermined by his neurological condition.

I first met Tim quite a few years ago at a coffee shop where I was a barista and he was a regular customer.  Then last year, I met him again when I went to visit a friend at a nursing home.  He rolled up behind her in a wheelchair.  Soon I learned what happened to him and (as a CNA at a nursing home myself), I felt that staying at a nursing home was not appropriate for this 60 year old man.  He came to live with me where I could feed him nutrient dense, gluten-free food, he could have his own room and work in the garden.  He has reached many milestones of recovery while here but there is still a distance to go.

Tim and I share a passion for science and more specifically Functional Medicine.  He had the amazing opportunity to take a year long course of study taught by Jeffrey Bland, PhD, who many consider to be the Godfather of Functional Medicine.  My own recovery from an "incurable" mental illness (through natural means--or lifestyle medicine), planted in me a stubborn hope for anyone else suffering from an "incurable" health condition. 

Tim needs to have the means to fully investigate the root causes of his symptoms and to correct any condition, whether it be toxicity, malnutrition, unfriendly gut bacteria, hidden infections, hormonal imbalances or any number of other possibilities.  This is a process that takes time, dedication and money.  Functional Medicine doctors take the necessary time and have the dedication but the patient has to have the money to pay for it.  Insurance does not pay for this type of root-cause-resolution medicine.

We want to see Emily Parke, D.O. in Paradise Valley, AZ.  She is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and yet she is familiar with mainstream medicine and medications.  She would understand how to wean Tim off of at least some of his medications and how to compensate for withdrawl symptoms.  She would dig for those root causes and know what should be done concerning her findings.

We need money for the doctor's consultations, testing and some money or gift cards for Trader Joe's, or Safeway or Fry's to buy organic and free-range since it's highly likely that the Paleo Diet will be recommended. Supplements may be recommended as well.

As a CNA having worked on the Special Needs Unit, I am painfully aware of what can happen to Parkinson's patients and within a matter of months.  Please help spare Tim from that nightmare.  Help save this kind man with a beautiful mind so that he can once again find purpose helping others.

Tim is headed for a two week vacation with his family and should return by Sunday August 13th.  We would love to make that first appointment with Dr. Parke upon his return.  

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your contributions.  We will keep you all abreast of  his progress.