Jason Parkin Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis, Seeks $7,500 for Research
Updated
Updated · Des Moines Register · Aug 21
Jason Parkin Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis, Seeks $7,500 for Research
1 articles · Updated · Des Moines Register · Aug 21
Summary
WHO meteorologist Jason Parkin said he has Parkinson's disease and is now using his public profile to raise money for research and support others with the condition.
A June American Parkinson Disease Association conference pushed him to go public after he had initially stayed quiet, saying the diagnosis at least explained years of fatigue and tremors.
Sept. 19 will bring his next public step: Parkin will emcee the APDA Iowa Optimism Walk in Urbandale, and his team, The Cumulonimbros, had raised 63% of its $7,500 goal by Aug. 20.
Thousands have responded since his Facebook video, and Parkin said medication is helping while exercise remains a key treatment, though lethargy makes that difficult.
Parkin framed the disease as manageable and said he hopes more attention and fundraising can speed research into Parkinson's, which he called a fast-growing neurological disorder.
How will a meteorologist navigate a progressive disease that threatens his speech and balance while continuing to broadcast live on television?
Could the extreme weather patterns Jason Parkin predicts become a hidden danger to his own temperature regulation during his outdoor advocacy events?
What environmental factors could possibly link two meteorologists from the exact same news station developing severe neurological diseases in the exact same week?