A well-respected entrepreneur and co-Founder of Interpool Inc., a leading international cargo container leasing company, Marty Tuchman became involved with Parkinson's organizations seven plus years ago. As a businessman, Marty realized that lack of funding would seriously hamper any quest for a cure. Thus, he was drawn to the one fundraising event that benefited the greatest number of research efforts - The Unity Walk.

Despite a daily schedule that is filled to the brim, Marty graciously took time out to answer some questions his involvement with the fight for the Parkinson's cause.

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your work with the Parkinson's cause?

This is the area where there is a real improvement in the quality of life of the Parkinson's disease patient. We have better medication and better techniques today than we did even a few years back. DBS (deep brain stimulation) is a great example. A pair of electrodes are planted into a specific area of the brain to block the Parkinson's-causing activity. In most cases the improvement in the quality of life of the PD patient is dramatic and sustainable.

What surprises have you experienced during your work?

I became involved with PD when my wife, Margaret, was diagnosed over 20 years ago. What surprised me then and continues to surprise me is the number of people afflicted with Parkinson's disease. It seems that everyone I meet knows someone who has PD.

What is the first thing you learned about PD, and the latest?

I would have to say the first thing I learned is that Parkinson's is a disease that starts out very slowly and continues to build steadily to the point where the person afflicted can no longer function. And until recently, the available medication was so ineffective in dealing with the debilitating symptoms, especially after a long-term period of exposure to this disease.

My latest surprise is the emergence of DBS as a therapy that really seems to work - tremors decrease and involuntary movement declines. It appears to put PD in a holding pattern. This is important while we are waiting for the scientists to find a cure.

Do you feel the public's general idea of PD has changed during the last five years? What do you believe people should realize about PD that they don't know now?

PD is not a disease that affects a person's mental capabilities. If you know someone with PD, they are the exact same person you have always known - as capable of the same mental activities they were performing prior to the onset of the disease as you or me. The difference is that PD traps them. It traps the same mind in a body that betrays them.

But the last five years have been truly amazing. PD is one disease where a cure is actually feasible and I think the public sees it as a very real possibility. There has been such tremendous progress made in dealing with PD. I don't mean to harp on it, but take a look at DBS - electrodes have to be placed in just the right location in the brain, and doctors and scientists have figured out a very precise technique to do just that, so we know where that location is. Of all the diseases out there, PD seems to be the most advanced in finding a solution to the mystery of the cause and cure. By cure, we mean the averting of further deterioration or a full remission. And, as we speed toward that solution, we are improving people's lives in the meantime - hope for the future and tangible improvement in the present. It's a win/win for all of us who are involved.

What has been the most difficult obstacle or struggle in your efforts?

I tend to look at my involvement with PD the same way I look at any new business venture. Your key concern is to get the right people - people who are capable of the hard work ahead and dedicated to doing it. The key to finding a solution to PD is fostering a real private/public involvement. When working together, the amount of money raised for research can be staggering. It is because of this joint effort that we can now see a cure is right around the corner.

Can you tell me about some standout people who have assisted you?

Margot Zobel, PUW Founder - It is through her strength, tenacity and optimism that PUW exists and has become such a great success. Thank you, Margot.

Taking on PD requires someone with a great deal of dedication, a high level of intelligence and real people skills. Carol Walton, Executive Director of The Parkinson Alliance, scores high on all those attributes and more. She is the "Gold Standard."

Ken Aidekman, PUW board member - The time and energy that Ken has given to the struggle has been helpful beyond all means to describe it. It is really means so much to know you have someone like Ken - he is a real asset.

Evan Stern, PUW President - He has been there whenever I needed him. PUW is a strong and more effective organization because of Evan.

What has been the reaction of your wife, Margaret, to your efforts and accomplishments as they relate to PD?

I would have to say her reaction is one of "expected appreciation." Margaret and I have been together for over 40 years - it was over 20 years ago that she was diagnosed with PD. Knowing me the way she does, she knows that this is something in which I would have to become involved. So I would have to say she is very grateful but expected me to become involved and deserves no less.