Kirk Gibson discusses his battle with Parkinson’s disease during May 23 community event

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Spectrum Health welcomes former Major League Baseball player and manager Kirk Gibson to Grand Rapids on Tuesday, May 23, as the keynote speaker during a free community event to boost awareness about Parkinson’s disease.

Gibson, a former Detroit Tiger who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago, will discuss the disease, his determination to overcome it and the adversities it presents on a daily basis. Gibson is under the care of neurologist Ashok Sriram, MD, Spectrum Health Medical Group.

“Spectrum Health has taken the lead in providing me with an opportunity to share my story and shine some light on Parkinson’s disease. Their top-notch physicians are giving me the care and information needed to tackle this disease. My hope is that increased awareness will lead to early detection, additional research and, ultimately, a cure,” Gibson said.

What: Team Up to Beat Parkinson’s Disease

Where: DeVos Performance Hall

When: 5-7 p.m. (community partner booths and light refreshments in lobby at 4 p.m.)

The program also will include a panel of Spectrum Health neurologists who will discuss Parkinson’s facts and insights they have gained from years of treating the neurodegenerative brain disorder. Approximately 1 million Americans are living with the disease.

“We would like the community to understand that we’ve made great strides in treating Parkinson’s disease. Those who are diagnosed with it can live productive lives for many years,” said Dr. Sriram. “Still, Parkinson’s is progressive and, at present, there is no cure. Continued collaborative research in our community is very important, including our partnerships with Michigan State University and Van Andel Research Institute.”

The event is free, but preregistration is required. Anyone who is interested in learning more or attending the event may preregister here. Seating is limited.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Beth Cranson
Media Relations Manager
Office: 616.391.2603
Mobile: 616.540.0813
Email: elizabeth.cranson@corewellhealth.org