Local family shows bravery in the face of Parkinson disease

By Kay Quinn Healthbeat Reporter

ST. LOUIS (KSDK) - Parkinson disease affects a million Americans.

Actor Michael J. Fox has it, and St. Louis broadcaster Jack Buck was diagnosed before his death in 2002.

Now, you can help support those with Parkinson by playing in a golf tournament to raise money for research and support for those with the disease.

Here's a look what it means to live with this disease and the local effort to combat it.

"We have always been an upbeat family," said Lynda Wiens, "you always look for a silver lining, and you always find one."

Almost three decades ago, Lynda and Bob Wiens moved to St. Louis from Canada and raised two sons.

She was a nurse, he was a cardiologist. Bob was the physician on call for visiting presidents, the pope, and the Dean of St. Louis University's Medical School. Then in the late 1980s he diagnosed himself with the symptoms of Parkinson disease.

"My son was about nine years, 10-years-old probably, and he wanted to know why dad could play ball with him one day and not the other," recalled Lynda.

Parkinson is a neurological disease that causes tremors, slow movements and problems with speech. In time, Bob had to give up his medical practice. The Wiens lives changed.

Originally posted here:
Local family shows bravery in the face of Parkinson disease