Teenager raises over $40,000 for Parkinson’s research

Global update

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 9 April 2015

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How much could you fundraise from selling bookmarks?

Jenna Sigurdson – a 13 year old from Winnipeg, Canada – received more than $40,000, after creating a campaign to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease involving bookmarks.

She was inspired into action when her dad was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease three years earlier. Combining entrepreneurial determination with philanthropic spirit, Jenna decided to create bookmarks that sold for two dollars each.

“Most of the time kids think, I can’t do this right?” said Jenna. “You can set your mind to do anything that you want to do, it’s just determination.”

She raised the impressive amount in just four years and has donated the money to Parkinson’s research at the Parkinson’s Society of Manitoba in Canada.

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Researchers at the Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, UK, have repurposed an experimental cancer drug – called tasquinimod – as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s. The study – funded by Parkinson’s UK and published in science journal ‘Cell Stem Cell’ – has been tested on a total of 10 patients so far. As part of the research, the study grew brain cells from donated skin cell samples of people living with a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s – this process was then repeated on people with a common non-genetic form of the condition. Researchers found that tasquinimod can block HDAC4, a protein that causes Parkinson’s genes to become inactive. Professor Richard Wade-Martins, co-lead author of the study, said: “We think that switching off these genes in brain cells may play a vital role in the cell damage and death that occurs in Parkinson’s.”

Research survey assesses impact of holidays on Parkinson’s symptoms

The Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands, is seeking participants for an online survey assessing the effects of a holiday on Parkinson’s. The study will assess whether a vacation can have physical and mental benefits for people living with the condition. It will also look at which specific factors, such as temperature and physical activity, can alleviate or increase symptoms. The Michael J Fox Foundation has approved the study’s protocol. Participants can sign up to complete the 20-minute survey online. The survey is open to anyone over 18 who has Parkinson’s and has been on vacation once or more between 1 June 2016 and 30 September 2018. Marjan Faber, the study’s daily supervisor, said: “If the study is able to identify decisive factors, those can act as a starting point for novel approaches in care for people with Parkinson’s disease.” To apply please visit research platform ParkinsonNEXT.

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Teenager raises over $40,000 for Parkinson’s research

Global update

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 9 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Global update

‘Why Google must change its image of Parkinson’s disease’

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Why are people with Parkinson’s more creative?

Global update

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Teenager raises over $40,000 for Parkinson’s research

Global update

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 9 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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