The Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s had the opportunity to speak with Nashville native, Don Thomas and his journey with Parkinson’s. Don grew up in the Nashville area for most of his life. He attended Glencliff High School and then to Middle TN State University for college and graduate school. In 1973, he married his wife, Vicki, and they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Before retiring Don worked in medical sales and sales management, including VP of Sales for OrthoHelix Medical.
After experiencing tremors in his left hand, Don visited Dr. Fang at Vanderbilt and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012. It was the same Dr. Fang who introduced him to PFP. Don says “interaction with the members [of PFP support groups] and hearing how they approach their myriad of problems faced day to day” support him throughout his Parkinson’s journey. Not only does the foundation provide support for Don, but he stated his wife has built a support system.
Even though Don is living with Parkinson’s he is not letting the diagnosis affect his golf game or spending time with his grandchildren in Charleston, SC.
Studies suggest that singing interventions have the potential to increase vocal loudness, respiratory muscle strength, and voice-related quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Additionally, the “ahhh” volume showed an increase of 6-10 dB, essentially doubling their volume and making the group’s sound increase significantly.