Parkinson's Day get -together

Friday May 9, 2008
Parkinson’s Day get-together in PJ
IN A tribute to the late Lloyd Tan Pao Chan, founder and former life president of the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association (MPDA), the local Parkinson’s community will commemorate his birthday by celebrating Malaysian Parkinson’s Day tomorrow.
Tan, who was stricken with Parkinson's plus syndrome, decided to change the life of the Parkinson’s community in Malaysia by starting the MPDA in 1994.
It was the first society of its kind in Malaysia, at a time when PD was hardly heard of in this country.
Heroes: The late Tan with his wife Yap Yun Kin.
His efforts have made a huge difference to many PD patients and their families, who now have a place to belong to, get support, as well as learn how to cope with the disease.
Today, 18 years later, many Malaysians remain ignorant of the debilitating disease.
The cardinal symptoms of PD such as slowness of movement and trembling of hands are commonly misunderstood as “natural ageing process”.
As such, among the estimated 15,000 Parkinson’s patients in Malaysia, only two-thirds of them are diagnosed and treated.
The remaining 5,000 Parkinson’s patients are left on their own, suffering from the “natural ageing process”. And although there have been rapid advances in the treatment of PD (new medications and brain surgery) overseas, treatment in Malaysia remains pessimistic.
Many Malaysian PD patients are confined to their homes. They cannot work, drive and go overseas for holidays because of under-medication. Because of high costs, brain surgery is also not a viable alternative for these sufferers.
In an effort to increase awareness about PD, as well as to honour the life work of Tan, all Parkinson's patients and their caregivers are invited to attend Malaysian Parkinson’s Day tomorrow at the Crystal Crown Hotel in Petaling Jaya, from 12.30pm to 3pm.
The Selfless Warrior, a book about Tan, his battle with Parkinson's as well as his achievements will be launched at the event. It is written by neurologist Dr Chew Nee Kong.
At the event, funds will also be raised for the Lloyd Tan Trust Fund to provide financial assistance for those who require brain surgery.
Proceeds fro0m the sales of this book will also go to the trust fund.
For details about the event, call Patricia Ho at 03-40240060 or 012-2137245.