Disabilities and Employment

Some stories about those with Epilepsy....

32-year-old "Robert," who does not want his real name used because it could jeopardize his chances of future employment, hasn't been so lucky -- and has been fired twice because of his epilepsy. The IT specialist, who lives in Toronto, once had a high-powered job and handled mergers of computer services for several major companies. But his life took a turn for the worse when he had his first seizure at the age of 23.  He went on disability, but as soon as he came off it about a year later, he was offered a layoff package by his employer.About 30 per cent of people with seizures will be able to control them if they take the proper medications.  So the average person with epilepsy is under control, drug control, and may never have another seizure

One of our friends on facebook made this commnet:  This really hits home for me. I was a productive member of society practicing an actual trade and had been working in a professional environment since I was 15. I had to give it up prettymuch indefinitely at 25 and it's been very frustrating. I sort of don't know what to do with myself and I'm glad I'm not the only one.

 Another personal experience:  "My seizures became gradually more frequent.  First every six months, then every three months, and, by the time I was in college, I was having seizures monthly.  My epilepsy became harder to live with, but I got used to it– sort of.  While I had the good fortune of never being teased, I still did not feel quite whole.  My seizures are still not controlled, but I have an understanding and helpful family." 

- John G. Miers of Bethesda, MD

Married with 3 daughters and 1 grandson

Retired from a federal agency as the Office of Diversity and Employee Advocacy Programs Director.

We have recently heard news of more high profile people being diagnosed with disabiling and progressive diseases.  For example, this week we found out that Pat Summitt, the Tennesse Lady Vols Basketball coach was diagnosed with dementia.  Steve Kragthorpe, assistant football coach for the LSU Tigers was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. How will this affect their jobs?  As of now, they are both still in their current positions and plan to continue as long as they can.

Obviously, everyone's situation is different, but I think it is important to realize you are not alone.  What is your story?

Reasons to Participate in a Clinical Trial

Why do people participate in Clinical Trials? 
     -some people might do it because they may gain some benefit
          (access to an investigational medication not available on the market)
     -some people might do it for extra money
          (the financial gain should never be significant enough to persuade someone to participate and cannot
          be used when advertising per the FDA)
     -some people might do it for benefiting science, helping others

Ultimately, people should volunteer for benefiting science.  That blood pressure or diabetes pill you or a loved one takes wouldn't be available if others hadn't volunteered for a trial.  This is true with any medication available today including Tylenol.

Would you participate in a trial just for research purposes...knowing you would gain no benefit other than possibly helping others?

We conduct many different types of drug studies but we specialize in Neurological diseases....Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS and Diabetic Neuropathy.  Although some people are controlled with their Epilepsy medication, there are thousands of people still suffering with uncontrolled seizures even on medication.  There is no cure for AD, PD, MS or DPN - so if I or someone I loved was suffering from a progressive disease for which there was no cure, I would consider a drug study.  Research provides Hope to an individual.  Will the study drug help?  There is no way to know without the research and sadly most drugs do fail and never make it to market.  But what we learn from those drugs that fail is what will eventually lead us to the CURE.

If you want to get involved in a clinical trial or find one in your area for a loved one, visit any of these sites.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
http://www.centerwatch.com/

and of course our website for those in Arkansas
http://www.clinicaltrialsinc.com/

How much TV do you watch?

Okay, so this is a little off topic but I was just curious.  Do you still pay for cable or satellite TV services?  I know we do at our home, but I just read an article that made me questions how many folks are opting out.  Is it due to the economy?  How is it affecting advertisers?  Are more people moving to the internet...with video streaming websites like Netflix and Hulu?  I know we utilize TV to reach new volunteers for our trials.

You can view the article here:
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aid=127974.54928.140103

I think the end quote says it all. 
"Rising prices for pay TV, coupled with growing availability of lower cost alternatives, add to a toxic mix at a time when disposable income isn't growing."

What do you think?