TAMPA, Fla. — Cutting-edge Parkinson's research is happening right here in Tampa.

The Dunahue family knows the importance of keeping the body moving.

“It’s a disease that’s characterized by motion but then can take motion away, so you have to keep moving,” said Ryan Dunahue, who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 48.

He is grateful to have the support of family.

“I’d been chasing something, I knew something was wrong for about 10 years, and it’s a tough world to live in when you know something’s wrong but you don’t know what it is,” said Dunahue who finally got that diagnosis in Tampa.

The now 50-year-old sees Dr. Robert Hauser, Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at USF Health. The Parkinson’s Foundation designated the facility as one of about 50 Centers of Excellence around the world.

“A Center of Excellence designation allows people to know that we have the expertise in Parkinson’s disease to see complicated cases,” said Hauser. “And to give them the confidence to know that we have many years of experience and expertise to evaluate the case. And also that we do clinical trials to evaluate new medications and bring new medications to market.”

Some of Hauser’s current work includes research to help improve treatment options for young-onset PD patients.

“They develop a sensitivity to the medication so they get twisting, turning, called Dyskinesia much earlier and those problems persist for many years longer,” said Hauser. “So, for those individuals, we’re working on medications that last longer and are much more smooth through the course of the day.”

While doctors work on improving care and expanding research, the Dunahue family finds other ways to raise awareness.

“We’re the Jiggle Wiggle Crew,” said Ryan’s older brother, Shawn, as the two show their team T-shirt for the upcoming Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Tampa Bay fundraising walk. Shawn is their team captain.

“When you bring the medical community, the research community together and those living with the disease and their caregivers, that’s such a critical piece when you get to see the power come together,” said Shawn, who also advocates through work with the Parkinson’s Foundation.

“I needed to find an outlet for me in this situation that basically allowed me to express my displeasure with this disease but learn more about it and find ways that I can help people,” he said.

Together, the Dunuhue family will help support Ryan and others impacted by Parkinson’s by walking May 3.

Members of Team Jiggle Wiggle include: Ryan, his wife, their two daughters and Shawn and his wife.

“All this is, is it’s a fight, everyday’s a fight and right now we’re winning,” said Ryan. “And part of the reason I’m winning is because of them.”
 
Moving Day Tampa Bay
Saturday May 3
Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa
Event starts at 9 a.m.