Participate in a Parkinson's Research Trial

Hi. I’m Dan Kellem - husband, father, entrepreneur, dreamer. Those things didn’t change when I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in December of 2019, but they did all get more difficult.

I view Parkinson’s as a disease of the body, mind, and spirit. These last four years have been a journey into all three with radical lifestyle changes, adventures in yoga and meditation, and, hardest of all, forgiving those that have hurt me and my family the most. Through it all, I’m a better person and have drawn even closer to God despite all the challenges along the way.

The challenges I face are real. A close friend on his own Parkinson’s journey described the disease as insidious. I can’t think of a better word to describe the ever-present impacts of this terrible disease. Every movement, every attempt to rest, every interaction with others are all tainted in some way.

I work with computers professionally. Typing is difficult and error prone as I’ve lost almost all dexterity in my left hand. Voice dictation has led to some really awkward emails! But the hardest thing for me has been the loss of spontaneous word recall which poses a whole host of communication challenges.

I’m on plenty of medications. They help a little but, for me, the side effects are almost as debilitating as the disease.

All of this has led me to an experimental overseas medical research study. When tested on primates with Parkinson’s, 100% showed improvement every month for the next six months - of course some did better than others. Their US clinical trial application is in the review process. If successful, that means 5 to 10 years before the protocol is available to the masses.

I’m a risk taker. I always have been. I consider it a privilege to be included in the first 50 people to be treated for Parkinson’s this way. Whether it works or not, my experience will be a gift to humanity. There is power in the knowledge of what works, but also in the awareness of what has failed.

The cost is significant. $50,000 to cover the costs of the research study as well as the considerable travel expenses to bring my family with me. I don’t want to do this alone.

Please consider supporting my journey, both for me personally and to help fight against the most rapidly expanding neurological disease on the planet. 100% of the gifts made will be used to pay back the loan I’ve used to enter the study.

Thank you and God Bless!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

Lean not on your own understanding

Acknowledge him in all your ways

And he will make your paths straight