My knowledge of PD (Parkinson Disease) broadened when I was involved in a PD awareness Sunday at KLBC some seven years ago when we were collecting an offering to support The Parkinson Disease Association set up by Dato’ Setia J. P Tan. He was a member of our church and was passionate to help those who are suffering from this aging disorder.
This whole subject of PD was set aside until I met Mr Teo Kim Hoe who bravely confessed to me that the doctor had diagnosed that he is suffering from PD. I was surprised that he had the courage to openly confess that he is a victim of PD. From my knowledge most people who suffer from this disease do not want to admit that they have PD in fear of rejection or discrimination. A lot of patients who suffer from this disease choose the path of denial rather than open confrontation of their sickness. But this was not so with Mr Teo as he took his predicament very calmly.
Actually as I look back, I notice some obvious signs and symptoms of PD in his speech and movement over the past three years. But as usual, I did not bring out the subject until it was confirmed. After all, I am not an expert in this field and it was best left to the doctors or specialists to make their professional diagnosis.
I would like to share some of my personal observations of Mr Teo, a victim of PD, on how he faces the new challenge that lies ahead of him when he was diagnosed as a PD victim. Over the past two years, I have seen the improvement in his sickness as well as the effectiveness of some of the steps he had taken to arrest the disease.
First of all, I must say that Mr Teo is a fighter within, as he does not give in to obstacles easily when they come his way. Instead of sitting down and mourning over his predicament, he took positive and aggressive action to deal with the sickness.
He not only sought doctors’ advice and second opinions on his sickness, he also ventured into the internet to search for information, in order to have a better understanding of the disease that inflicted him. The vast information and knowledge acquired from the net helped him to deal with his sickness comprehensively and calmly. He did a lot of research on the net that he constantly shared with me over the e-mail. I was amazed how much knowledge he acquired over a short period of time as he shared them with others who suffered the same predicament.
Besides getting to know the disease more comprehensively, he also took up physical exercise to help arrest and slow down the movement disorder from which he was suffering. He visits the fitness centre on a regular basis to exercise his muscles that are slowing down. It takes discipline and determination to do that. I was invited to join him on one occasion and I witnessed the passion and determination he put into his physical exercise, and that really put me to shame. I would say that not many people his age would have taken up that challenge, considering the fact that he is a PD victim. I admire his optimism and fighting spirit. Besides his faith in God, he is a man of action as well. He would not sit down and let his predicament take over.
It is not fair to say that Mr Teo single handedly took up the challenge to fight the disease by himself. Like all other patients, there are those who walk the rough path side by side with him, so that the path would be easier to walk. Besides God, that one person is his other half – Mrs Teo. She is a strong and supportive partner of Mr. Teo. She is there to encourage Kim Hoe to take on the challenge courageously and to remind him that he is not alone – “in sickness and in health.” As a pastor, I have witnessed many patients who lost the battle, not because there are no better medication or treatment but because of the lack of support from friends and family members. For the patient to survive, a strong support from the spouse or family members often gives the patient a push forward.
In the midst of his battle against PD, he found meaning and purpose in his struggle. I lift my hat to him when he told me that he has started a blog on the subject of PD. Now he is connecting with others who are in the same predicament – fellow PD victims. He interacts and shares all the information and his personal experiences with those who are traveling on the same path. He will be publishing his first book on PD with the intention of raising aware of this disease so that others who are diagnosed can take necessary and early action to deal with it. There is no cure for PD but there are some positive steps to arrest the disease.
I believe he is living his life to the fullest and is making the best of his time to help others as well. He is a positive model for those who feel that life with PD is hopeless and he has proven them wrong. There is plenty to live for if we look from a different angle. Last but not the least, I wish Mr Teo the best as he crusades for the cause of PD.
Rev. Bobby Lam
June 12, 2008
Jun 16, 2008 05:42AM jhowe
depression onset: 01/00
Dx: 04/08
Type: Parkinson’s disease
Teo: This is such a nice letter about your struggle in conquering the PD beast. I read this and was inspired by your strong mindset to get educated and equip yourself with knowledge and willpower. Im amazed at how your exercise program is so regimented, scheduled, and monitored. Your tracking of exercise techniques have inspired me… you are really taking this battle against PD seriously and not a day goes by that you aren’t fully focused.
You are one fine example for us. Thanks for sharing such a commendable letter about your example. We cherish strong individuals such as yourself on PatientsLikeMe. I sure wanna be a patient like you!!
TEOKIMHOE: THNNK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATIONAL LETTER. I AM VERY HONOR TO HAVE YOU AS ONE OF US IN THE PLM FAMILY. YOU WRITESO VERY WELL. EVERYTHING IS SO UNDERSTANDABLE. I WISH YOU ALLTHE BEST. HUGS KATHY
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