Parkinson's Patient Embarks On 2,183-Mile Hike To Benefit Parkinson's Research

Brian Butler, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease three years ago, embarked on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail after retiring from University Hospitals. He is raising money for Parkinson's research at UH.

A University Hospital’s nurse who retired March 20 is headed on a mission: a 2,183-mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail to raise money for Parkinson’s research. Delivered a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2012, Brian Butler RN chose to retire from his job in the Electrophysiology Lab at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, and to fulfill his lifelong dream of completing a six-month trek along this scenic trail through 14 eastern U.S. states. He began on March 25 in Springer Mt., GA.

Along the way, Butler intends to demonstrate that exercise can slow the progression of this degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. His journey is raising money to support the research of Benjamin Walter, MD, Director of UH’s Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, and Medical Director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program, UH Case Medical Center, UH Neurological Institute.

“It’s been proven that exercise stimulates the brain to release endorphins and helps build new nerve cells,” said Butler, 66. “There are few dollars allocated to Parkinson’s research. I want to reach the hearts and minds of one million people to support me with just one penny per mile: $21.83.”

A 39-year veteran of the U.S. Army, including two deployments to Iraq, Butler is well prepared for foreign terrain, carrying all his own supplies and long stretches away from his wife, Gail. But he is armed with a strong defense against loneliness, the main culprit that prevents 75 percent of AT hikers from finishing the trail: his 29-year-old daughter, Erin.

Butler has also been doing CrossFit workouts, and walking the treadmill with a 31-pound backpack. He hopes his efforts will fuel research into deep brain stimulation, a life-altering treatment reminiscent of the cardiac ablations he witnesses in the EP lab. He suspects he might need this treatment someday. In the meantime, he is focused on the horizon.

To support Butler’s trek, go to UHGiving.org/Walk4Parkinsons.

CJ Sheppard

Senior Communications Strategist, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center

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Volume 7, Issue 4, Posted 11:29 AM, 04.01.2015