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Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

Lonnie Ali (right), wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, greets fellow Parkinson's disease caregiver Margie Mercant, and her husband, Tony, 84, who was diagnosed with the disease nearly 15 years ago. Ali was in Sunnyvale to speak at the Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center.

Lonnie Ali looks to knock out Parkinson's disease

By Erin Hussey

Fifteen years ago Anthony Mercant was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It changed his life and that of his wife, Margie.

Like Margie Mercant, Lonnie Ali, the wife of Muhammad Ali, knows how challenging the role of caregiver can be.

That's why she's joining forces with Valeant Pharmaceuticals and its Fight For More campaign. As the campaign slogan states: Everyone with Parkinson's disease needs someone in their corner.

"A lot of the time, there is no real community for caregivers," said Ali at a reception Sept. 27 at the Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale.

Ali was the first official visitor at the institute's new home on Almanor Avenue. Founded in 1988, the institute is dedicated to finding the causes and cure for Parkinson's disease as well as providing world-class patient care.

"We're pretty unique," says Ken Toren, executive director.

"We're a nonprofit with a combination of both research and patient care. We do everything from science to clinical trials and everything in between, so it is a very vibrant, powerful environment."

Ali spoke to more than 200 physicians, patients, caregivers and community members at the institute.

"What is wonderful about this campaign is that it is really easily accessed through the Internet," Ali said. "The site includes caregiving tips, background on Parkinson's disease, has educational resources, and it also provides a way to share stories and challenges that you've dealt with."

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects more than 1.5 million Americans and more than 6 million people worldwide.

While the cause is still unknown, symptoms include tremor or trembling, stiffness or rigidity, slowness, instability, impaired balance and coordination.

"It's not a disease that gets better," says Margie. The Mercants have been married for more than 57 years. They commute to the Parkinson's Institute from Los Gatos.

"You just hope it doesn't get worse faster," she said.

Currently the institute is treating more than 2,000 patients, but they are always taking more appointments. Like Ali and the Fight For More campaign, they are passionate about educating and supporting caregivers.

For more information on The Parkinson's Institute, visit www.thepi.org or call 408.734.2800.

For more information on the Fight For More campaign, visit www.fightformore.com.