INDIANAPOLIS – A Rossville man diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease regained a basic human function many people take for granted – walking.
Roger Jenkins underwent surgery about a year and a half ago and is now proud to say he can walk again.
“It is fun to walk now,” said Jenkins.
About 12 years ago, Jenkins was bound to a wheelchair as he was too weak to walk. He would fall several times a day and was unable to feed or dress himself.
“I lived in denial, I was just going to go forward and live with it,” he said.
When his condition worsened, he called Dr. Joanne Wojcieszek at IU Health where he was given deep brain stimulation treatments.
“It is a highly treatable disease, and many of the symptoms are able to be remedied especially early on in the disorder,” said Wojcieszek.
Following the treatment, a pacemaker-type device that connects to Jenkins’ brain was implanted under his skin.
Since, he has become an advocate for those with Parkinson’s Disease and its treatment.
“It took me awhile to get to this point, but I now say that Parkinson’s is a blessing in my life and I believe that with all my heart,” said Jenkins.
MORE TOP STORIES |Stranger confronts woman she says was hitting child in Indy Kroger| Three injured in armed robbery, carjacking in Greenwood | Indiana has a statewide 'Tenderloin Trail' | Police: 9-year-old shot, killed by child with unsecured gun| IPS plans to close Broad Ripple High School, convert Arlington and Northwest to middle schools
