Kirk Gibson Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
DETROIT Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 1988 National League MVP revealed the news Tuesday in a statement released by Fox Sports Detroit.
“I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles,” Gibson said. “While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible.”
The 57-year-old Gibson was fired in September as manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks after four-plus seasons. He now calls Detroit Tigers games for Fox Sports Detroit, but Gibson hasn’t been in the broadcast booth since opening day on April 6 while undergoing tests.
Gibson had one of the most memorable moments in baseball history with his limping, pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the 1988 World Series for the Dodgers. He also won a championship in 1984 with the Tigers, where he played 12 of his 17 major league seasons.
“It was a shock to all of us,” Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall said before Arizona’s home game against Colorado. “Gibby means a lot to this organization. He had a couple of wonderful years here as manager and is always going to be a part of this family.
Kirk Gibson Diagnosed With Parkinsons
SLUGGER
REUTERS/Darryl Webb
Baseball great Kirk Gibson, 57, revealed Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs, Gibson said in a statement. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible. Gibson has two World Series rings: with the Detroit Tigers in 1984 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988, when he famously hit a game-winning home run on injured legs.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation For Parkinson’s
May 22, 2019 / 12:26 PM / CBS Detroit
Detroit – Founded in 1996, The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is dedicated to raising awareness of Parkinson’s Disease , funding research, and promoting collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork.
Through these efforts, The Kirk Gibson Foundation has raised over $2 million dollars to date, investing funds in organizations who work together, build awareness, and share data with others. We sat down with Kirk Gibson as he shared with us his life, his legacy and the new battle he’s facing against Parkinson’s Disease.
“I remember Sparky Anderson telling me you’re going to have journey’s in your life, some will be good and some will be bad. But if you ever become a World Champion it won’t be worth it if you don’t do it the right way. And you make sure you give back, wherever your journey takes you. That’s kinda’ where I’m at now with the whole deal.”
“I’ve got Parkinson’s Disease…it’s a bit of a curveball or knuckleball or whatever you want to call it. And it’s not easy to hit that ball, but that doesn’t stop me from swinging. I’ve had many surgeries over my life and career. Do I now know that it was Parkinson’s? I don’t know that, but I guess in the end it was Parkinson’s”
I’ve had many surgeries over my life and career. Do I now know that it was Parkinson’s? I don’t know that, but I guess in the end it was Parkinson’s”
- In:
First published on May 22, 2019 / 12:26 PM
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‘awareness Is A Huge Thing’: Kirk Gibson Rallies Local Celebrities For Parkinson’s Benefit
Rochester Hills Parkinson’s is not a death sentence.
That’s been the motto for former Detroit Tigers and Michigan State star Kirk Gibson since he was diagnosed with the disease in 2015, and the mantra got plenty of play Monday at the sixth-annual Kirk Gibson Golf Classic at Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills.
The event, put on by Gibson’s non-profit, the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, has raised more than $700,000 since its inception.
“The initiative and the things that we’ve built over the years, very proud of the people who have supported me. I’ve said it many times: It’s not a death sentence, but you do have to get moving against it,” Gibson, 65, said.
“You gotta know what you’re up against and awareness is a huge thing that we get out there, and then alternative therapies that can help you feel better and have a quality of life.”
Gibson’s sixth-annual golf outing featured names like former Tigers shortstop and manager Alan Trammell, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, and even standup comedian Larry the Cable Guy.
“I wish I didn’t have to do . I do it because I have the disease, and there’s been a support group that’s been incredible since the day I was diagnosed,” Gibson said.
Trammell said that he didn’t realize how many people were dealing with Parkinson’s until Gibson’s diagnosis.
“That’s what I say about Gibby.”
Twitter: @nolanbianchi
Messages From People With Parkinson’s
What Ive learned is you have to keep fighting. Jean
We can live with hope, gratitude, and love. Mike
Try to make the most of every day you have. Anonymous
Stay positive and be true to yourself. Bill
You need to be patient with yourself. Roger
We need to be there for each other. Trip
All I can tell someone is take one day at a time. Joe
Im going through the beginning phase of it myself. Anonymous
Together we can find a cure down the line. Tim
Dont give up, whatever you do. Bob
Count your blessings, not your sorrows. Brian
You are not alone on this journey. Eileen
Id like to encourage myself to keep going. Joy
I have learned to deal with changes. Dave
Im still here, and Im still enjoying life. Ron
My advice to you is to just keep moving. Ed
Exercise, be active, be involved. Gary
Keep on trucking. Pete
Theres always more good than bad. Anonymous
The most encouraging thing is to share it with others. Anonymous
Stay positive and be true to yourself. Bill
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What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a disorder of the nervous system. It can best be described as a movement disorder. It is progressive, whereby the symptoms worsen over time. It develops gradually, with the first symptoms being barely noticeable. Often this is seen as a slight tremor in just one hand. While tremors are the most widely known symptom of the disease, it can also emerge as stiffness and slowing of movement and speech that becomes soft or slurred. Parkinsons can also result in non-motor symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, constipation, and fatigue. The symptoms result from a progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the section of the brain that regulates body movements.
Parkinsons disease is seen most often in older people but can also occur in younger adults. It normally begins between the ages of 50 and 65 and is slightly more common in males than females. It is also more prevalent in Caucasians than Asians or African Americans.
There are an estimated ten million people in the world with Parkinsons disease with about one million residing in the United States.
What Causes Parkinsons Disease
In Parkinsons disease nerve cells in a very specific region of the brain break down or die. Many of the symptoms associated with Parkinsons result from the loss of neurons that produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate movement. Many treatments for Parkinsons disease work to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Research into the causes of Parkinsons disease is also focusing on Lewey bodies and the protein alpha-synuclein, which is found within Lewy bodies. Lewey bodies are clumps of specific substances within brain cells and are recognized as markers of the disease. Alpha-synuclein clumps within the Lewey bodies in a form that cells cant break down. It is believed that the build-up of alpha-synuclein contributes to the cause of Parkinsons disease.
Researchers also believe that genetic factors may sometimes play a role. While considered rare, Parkinsons disease may result from a viral infection or through exposure to environmental toxins like carbon monoxide, pesticides, certain heavy metals or repeated head injuries. In most cases the cause of the disease is unknown, but researchers commonly believe that the interaction of genetics and environmental factors cause the disease in most people diagnosed.
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Former Nl Mvp And Manager To Resume Analyst Job With Tigers As Health Permits
DETROIT — Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The former Tigers great revealed the news Tuesday in a statement released through Fox Sports Detroit, which hired him this spring as an analyst.
“I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles,” Gibson said in the statement. “While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible.”
The Tigers issued a statement: “The Detroit Tigers family wishes the best for Kirk Gibson, and our thoughts are with Kirk and his family. We are all hopeful for Kirk’s return to the ballpark soon.”
Gibson, who will turn 58 next month, rejoined Fox Sports Detroit as a game analyst after five seasons managing the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was scheduled to work about 60 games on television alongside play-by-play man Mario Impemba, allowing him to follow his son Cam, an outfielder at Michigan State.
Various estimates tab anywhere from 500,000 to a million people in the United States affected by the disease. Its symptoms include shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
If You Could Call And Leave A Message For Yourself The Day You Were Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease What Would You Say
Parkinsons is a game changing diagnosis in anyones life. Its an overwhelming experience that changes your view and perspective of the world. For many its a time of reflection, appreciation of friends and family, and an understanding of what it means to be human.
Down The Line was created as a platform for Parkinsons warriors to share the individual wisdom and knowledge theyve gained along the path of battling this disease. Its also a place for the newly diagnosed to find hope and encouragement during the early days of treatment while adjusting to their new path of fighting against Parky.
Also Check: When Does Parkinson’s Start
Watch: Kirk Gibson Rallies Golfers In Fight Against Parkinson’s At Annual Outing
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. Kirk Gibson hosted the sixth annual golf classic for his foundation to battle Parkinson’s and help families dealing with the disease.
The Tigers legend rallied over 200 golfers at Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills on Monday. Hall of Famers Alan Trammell and Tom Izzo were among the celebrities who joined Gibson. Comedian Larry the Cable Guy, Columbus Blue Jackets and former Michigan defenseman Zach Werenski, and Bally Sports Detroit broadcasters played in the outing as well.
WXYZ’s Brad Galli served as emcee for the event, which has raised over $1 million in its first five years. Watch the video above for more.
Messages From Loved Ones & Caregivers
Together we can walk the line one step at a time. Debra
Im not just a devoted wife any longer. Im a caregiver. Brenda
Leah
Its an adjustment period for both of us. Loniece
Youre still the same son, father, and hero we look up to. Rhonda
But he has always been a warrior. Josh
This disease does not define you. Jamen
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Gibson Still A Fighter
Since his diagnosis back in 2015, Kirk Gibson has slowed down a bit, but hes still determined to make a difference by raising awareness about the disease through the Kirk Gibson Foundation. His ultimate goal is to find a cure.
In 2019, he announced that The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinsons is partnering on a year-long campaign with the Michigan Parkinson Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to increase awareness of the disease and fund clinical research. If you want to win the World Series, whatever that may be in your life, its not going to happen by yourself, he said.
Gibson said when he was first diagnosed, he was shocked and scared. It was crushing, Gibson said. I thought I was going to die, I just didnt know how long it was going to take. He said now that he knows what hes up against, he can better prepare for it. If you know what youre up against, you can design a plan of attack, he said.
Hes been doing his research and through his foundation, hes been able to raise awareness in order to help others. He said he gets a lot of satisfaction giving back to others. Its more rewarding to give back than it is to take, in my view, Gibson said. If I can help one person, I just feel better doing that.
Gibson Diagnosed With Parkinsons
In April of 2015, Kirk Gibson announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. He said through his baseball career and his life that he had faced many obstacles and he met them head-on. In a statement released back in 2015, he said he would treat the challenge of dealing with Parkinsons the same as those other obstacles.
I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles, Gibson said. While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible.
Parkinsons disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Parkinsons symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue. There is no known cure.
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Kirk Gibsons Mlb Career
Kirk Gibson played 17 seasons in the big leagues, most of them coming with the Detroit Tigers, the team that drafted him in the first round of the 1978 MLB draft. Gibson spent the first nine seasons with the Tigers. The highlight of his time in Detroit was winning the 1984 World Series against the San Diego Padres.
His best season with the Tigers came the following season when he hit 29 home runs and drove in 97 runs. He finished with a batting average of .287. In 1988, Gibson signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent and made an immediate impact.
Gibson helped guide the Dodgers to the World Series, but was also named the leagues Most Valuable Player in a controversial decision. Gibson finished the year with 25 home runs, 76 RBIs and hit .290, not the typical numbers for an MVP. Runner up Darryl Strawberry hit 39 home runs and drove in 101 runs. Voters apparently sided with leadership over statistics in the race for MVP.
What Are The Stages Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a progressive illness, and as such, there are typical patterns to this progression. These are commonly referred to as the stages of the disease. While there are many symptoms of Parkinsons, not everyone will encounter all of them. Additionally, they may not experience them at the same severity or the same order. The following are generally accepted as the five stages of Parkinsons.
Its also important to note that not all people progress through the disease at the same rate. To some, the disease can progress over 20 years. For others, the progression is much more rapid.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease symptoms can vary between individuals. Sometimes the early signs may not be noticeable. It is common for symptoms to begin on one side of the body before spreading to the other side. Additionally, the symptoms will typically remain worse on the side that first encountered the disease. Parkinsons symptoms may include the following and may not all be apparent at the outset of the disease:
From The Catbird Seat: Gibson At Bat Against Parkinson’s
Tom May Tom May
I confess I have always been a secret fan of baseballs Detroit Tigers. I was first and foremost a New York Yankee fan. Very close in my loyalties was the Cincinnati Reds, who was the parent organization for the Indianapolis team when I was growing up. But from afar, I paid attention to the players, games and standing of the team from Detroit.
My grandfather was a huge Detroit Tigers fan. We had relatives in Michigan, but my grandfathers ties were even closer than that. He had been friends with Detroits Hall of Fame outfielder, Ty Cobb. Cobb is credited with setting 90 Major League Baseball records during his career. He still holds several records today, including the highest career batting average . Cobb and Pete Rose are the only two players to have collected more than 4000 hits in their career.
Over the years, the Tigers had some incredible players like Al Kaline, Willie Horton and Justin Verlander. One of their players who caught my eye was an outfielder named Kirk Gibson. Gibson played a few games with the Tigers at the end of 1979 and became a mainstay of the lineup for the next seven years. Free agency lured him to Los Angeles in 1988 and he played three years with the Dodgers and a year each with the Royals and the Pirates, before returning to finish his career with Detroit.
Tom May is a freelance writer and educator, and a columnist for the News and Tribune. Reach him at .
Tom May Tom May
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