That's What Friends Are For....

So now that I'm a lab rat, the researchers have asked me to recruit my own control subjects. You know...the rats that don't get any experimental drugs and don't contract the disease?

In the past, researchers have been able to identify culprit genes in the DNA of hereditary PD patients. What this study is about is comparing non-familial (non-inherited) PD DNA to non-PD DNA, to see if there's a common denominator among the non-fam PDs that is not shared by the non-PDs

What I'm supposed to do is try to find up to 4 people within 5-10 years of my age, female, who live nearby and don't have neurological problems. Then they will do the same things I do--family medical history, interview, neurological eval, and blood draw. Well, right out of the box, I've got my four! Enthusiastic, adventurous ladies, with as much curiousity as a boxful of kittens. And now they/we have decided to all go together for our research appointments. ROAD TRIP!! Woo hoo!!

Who are these modern Amelia Earharts, you ask? These intrepid explorers, expanding the frontiers of medical science, with only occasional stops at the fashion mall to resupply? Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the "Rat Pack" - M.G., T.B., G.O., and N.C.! Think you know? Ask them!

Now, don't you wish your friends were a bunch of rats?!

Wednesday's Five Things

Five Things That Make Me Smile
(in no particular order)

1. Family get-togethers
2. Climbing trees
3. Snuggling in the moonlight
4. An excuse to dress up
5. Lively, wide-ranging conversations

I'm a Lab Rat!

I've been asked to be part of a gene study. They're wanting to map the genes of PD patients who don't have it in their family history. They want to look for a common denominator. It includes physiological testing (balance, etc.), an interview, and a blood draw. The researcher is a colleague of my neuro. And I'm enough of an information junkie that the whole idea's got me psyched! Just wanted to let you know....

“Pray, and let God worry....” (link)

In this instance, I'm talking about a very sick little girl, Chrissy. She and her family need all the prayer they can get. You can learn more by visiting her website:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrissybriles
Even if she won't know you, leave an encouraging comment, to show her and her family how widespread the caring reaches!

Wednesday's Five Things

I saw this idea on another blog, and it looked like fun. (Plus you know I'll be posting every Wednesday.) Here's this weeks list:

Five Foods I've Been Craving

1. Sun Chips - Original
2. trail mix
3. smoked salmon
4. beef jerky
5. chocolate pudding

Tune in again next Wednesday, for the next "Five Things"!