Earl Ubell

"It was kind of funny, knowing what was going on." That is how Earl Ubell remembers that phone call from his friendly banker. The phone call that forced him to face the fact that he had Parkinson's Disease. He recalled, with a smile, that "The bank had a check drawn on my account for $2,000, but they could not recognize my signature. I knew the check was legit - remembered writing it, but when I looked at the signature, I understood the bank's concern. It was totally illegible."

A long-time health and science reporter for The New York Herald Tribune, Parade Magazine and WCBS - Channel 2 in New York and News Director for WNBC - Channel 4 in New York, Earl knew about the typical symptoms of Parkinson's and he knew he was exhibiting many of them - the hand tremors, the recent tendency to lose his balance and fall and that illegible signature. His physician confirmed his suspicions and referred Earl to a neurologist.

In the years that have passed since that phone call from his bank, Earl has suffered his ups and downs with PD. Thanks to careful monitoring of his medication by his doctor, he is currently doing quite well and is working on his memoirs. He credits friends and family for his ability to deal with Parkinson's. "They make sure I take my medication, do my exercise and drink plenty of water. I was never a big water drinker so this is a real shift for me." In addition to helping Earl with his memoirs, Shaina Malkin, a NYU student, makes sure he drinks enough water and is there to lean on when he feels unsteady.

Throughout his professional life, Earl has been a member of many organizations. The front room of his NoHo loft is lined with numerous pictures, awards and commendations. A personal note from Albert Einstein praising his reporting is among his most prized possessions. Yet with all the VIPs he has met over the years, Earl is tremendously impressed with those active in the fight for a cure. "With many organizations, nobody wants to get involved in the very necessary, but mundane, work. That is not true with these people. I don't care who or where they are professionally, each and everyone is willing to do anything and everything to combat this disease."

Earl's involvement with Parkinson's Unity Walk (PUW) started in the organization's very early days. Initial meetings were frequently held at his beautiful and spacious loft. "I thought the setting would be very impressive and highlight the seriousness and professionalism of everyone involved."

The chief lesson he wishes people would learn about Parkinson's is the individual nature of the disease and its treatment. "It really annoys me, when people ask me what medication I am taking. I am not a doctor and will not recommend what I am taking to anyone else. Just because it works for me, doesn't mean it will work for them."

Along with many others involved in the search for a cure, Earl is impressed with the progress that has been made. His message to those with PD, their family and their friends is "Hang in there."