But sometimes, it kinda is.

I recently received notification that, as someone with a moderate case of Parkinson’s, I might be eligible for a clinical trial for a new gene therapy.

Brain surgery! Gene therapy! Them’s fightin’ words. And from where I sit, they’re both words of hope…and also scary as hell.

I’d always thought I wasn’t a candidate for DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), Parkinson’s surgery, since my tremors are barely noticeable, except, of course, to me. I’d also been given to believe that implanting a DBS in someone not tremor- dominant might lead to increased cognition issues.

I often hear “But of course you know so much about Parkinson’s.” This is decidedly not due to anything I’ve said. In fact, I frequently profess my ignorance about Parkinson’s science, the latest research, current treatments, and so on.

What does occupy some real estate in my brain is merely tiny shards of information about what’s in the treatment pipeline..

One can’t be all things to all people. With blog and podcast, I’ve carved out a comfortable niche for myself. There are plenty of really good places to learn about scientific and technical findings. Go forth and read all about it! Just not here.

There do exist a couple of benefits to participation in the study, beyond the knowledge that I’m a member of the universe of people dedicated to better treatments and improved quality of life, in other words, helping fellow Parkies. Meanwhile, I’d be gifted with an Apple watch and travel to New York, Nashville and/or San Francisco. Not too shabby.

At the end of the email about the clinical trial, I was given two options. I clicked on the one that said “Yes, I’m interested.” Next, those running the study will determine my eligibility, and I just may find myself embedded in the world of scientific discovery. Or not.

Let the games begin.