My brother, Bill, with my parents after the race.
My brother, Bill, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease several years ago. In late November 2012, he underwent brain surgery to implant deep brain stimulators in the hope that these would help control his symptoms. If you haven’t already, you can read/see more about Bill’s amazing story in this blog post, My Brother, My Hero, My Friend. Two months after the surgery, the doctor gave Bill permission to resume exercising. Just seven weeks later, Bill competed in a 5K race in Jefferson City, MO. He covered the hilly terrain in 29:44.
Bill enjoys running and says it is actually easier to run than it is to walk. He sets concrete, achievable goals. He says he likes to focus on running because “Parkinson’s is too big.” His next running adventure is in 3 weeks: he’ll be on a marathon relay-team in St. Louis.
He is feeling much better since the deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. He is back at work full-time. He says he feels hopeful and he sees that he has his whole life ahead of him. I’ve been doing a lot of video interviews with him, and will post more as I can. For any friends and relatives reading this, Bill has said numerous times that he couldn’t have done this without all of your love and support!
Check out Bill’s running story in this short video:
A big shout out to my son for helping me (A LOT) with this video.
Here’s a picture of my husband, Greg, who also ran, the race, with Bill.
Greg and Bill
March 16, 2013
The Self-Compassion Project 
Barb, your brother is a HUGE inspiration, and just what I needed to hear today. Thank you, Bill!
SO GOOD!!!! so nicely done with the blog and the video! i love the text at the end of the video! so proud of papa gerth!
Hi would you recommend DBS for depression and anxiety for extreme cases. I am very desperate for getting treated as I have felt a lot of loneliness since a very long time. I have taken medications and ECT but that hasn’t stopped me feeling lonely.
Hi! I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough time getting relief. I don’t know much about DBS for depression. I know it was a very involved process for my brother…months of evaluation to see if he was a good candidate, the surgery was pretty traumatic (you’re awake through the 4-6 hour surgery), and then a long recovery. But it may be different for depression. I’m sorry I don’t know more.
I enyoyed reading the inspirational story about your brother. I look forward to reading more of your posts too.
Your brother is very inspiring!!
Wow! I am so amazed at your brother!! God has truly blessed him and he will get even stronger as the years go by. Thanks for sharing your blog. Amazing!
What a great story! My father had PD & he passed away 4 years ago. I am very proud of him that he donated his body for science, and I hope this can assist researchers in finding out more about this horrible disease and how to cure it. It is wonderful to hear stories like your brother’s. Big hugs to him and your family xx
I’m sorry about your father, but yes, I bet his donating his body to science will help further research! Bill also took part in a grueling two-day study, complete with PET scans, CT scans, and lots of cognitive testing. It was a study at Washington University on DBS surgery outcomes. Thanks for your thoughts and hugs!