William McK. & Marcia N.Thompson Center for Restorative Neurosurgery
Patient Stories
Hope Awards
2008 Hope Awards Recipient - Scott Orr
Having worked for 25 years in television news, Scott Orr has seen and reported on just about every kind of story you can imagine. But last summer, he found himself at the center of a feature he never imagined possible: his own battle with Parkinson's disease (PD).
Scott's battle started several years ago with the onset of near debilitating tremors in his left arm and leg. Beginning as a minor twitch in his left finger, the tremors quickly progressed to affect his entire left arm and leg, making it difficult to even "go to the grocery store" without invoking stares and questions from strangers.
Scott's eventual diagnosis of PD in 2004 was devastating. "The first thing that went through my mind was all the things I wouldn't be able to do anymore," he recalls.
Given the severity of Scott's tremors, his initial neurologist recommended that he go to CNI. After an in-depth consultation and examination, CNI's Dr. Rajeev Kumar recommended several different drug treatments to bring Scott's tremors under control. The high dosages required, however, ultimately resulted in side effects that prohibited any long-term use of the medications.
Fearing his options were nearly exhausted, Scott was relieved to be given another glimmer of hope: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Upon Dr. Kumar's recommendation and a detailed explanation by neurosurgeon Dr. John McVicker of the procedure, which effectively controls the symptomatic movements of PD through ongoing electrical impulses, Scott agreed to the surgery.
For Scott, the surgery not only offered a new possibility of relief from his tremors, it also presented a unique opportunity to help others living with the disorder. As assignment editor for Channel 2 News, Scott approached his news station executives to propose a 30-minute documentary to chronicle his experience, spanning from his present condition to the surgery and the eventual results—no matter what they proved to be.
In Spring 2008, Scott and his crew began filming, capturing the difficult realities of his day-to-day life with the constant tremors. Then, on April 8, he underwent surgery at the Colorado Neurological Institute William McK & Marcia N. Thompson Center for Restorative Neurosurgery. Awake for most of the procedure, Scott was able to converse with the doctors during his surgery and returned home within 24 hours of its completion. After approximately two weeks, he returned to CNI to fine-tune the stimulator and within a few minutes, he reported "no pain and no tremors."
While Scott still had some challenges ahead, including relearning how to use his left hand, he recalls he knew immediately that "he had his life back again."
Scott's documentary of his journey aired in May 2008 and generated record-level audience response. Scott has also volunteered his own time to complete an informative radio ad regarding DBS, participated in various fundraising events for CNI and continually communicates with patients and families via email to share his experiences with PD and CNI.
"My goal is to make sure people know DBS exists, how it works and what it can do—so they can make the most informed decisions for their own needs," he explains. "The people at CNI—their goal is to give you back what disease has taken away. They are the ones who really change people's lives."
"Watch Scott's Journey for Hope"
Journey of Hope - part 1
In part 1, we are introduced to Scott Orr and his journey with Parkinson’s Disease.
Journey of Hope - part 2
In part 2, Scott has a head-shaving party to ready for his life changing surgery. We are also introduced to Scott's doctors.
Journey of Hope - part 3
In part 3, Scott undergoes DBS surgery.
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Richard Lurie - 2003 Hope Award Recipient In 1993, Richard Lurie was a young man of 26 living in Australia and enjoying life. Even though he was starting to notice some unusual symptoms, the last thing he expected to hear was his doctor telling him he had Parkinson's.
Since then, his life has been a roller coaster ride, an exploration taking him through medications, alternative therapies, spiritual healing, and years of soul searching. As Richard puts it, "It's been a very strange journey." The drugs worked great at first, but soon he was taking them more and more often, and suffering from bad side effects called dyskinesia that made him appear drunk.
A few years after his diagnosis, on a visit home to his parents in Denver, he discovered the CNI Movement Disorders Center. When Dr. Rajeev Kumar arrived at CNI in 1998, Richard learned about a ground-breaking surgery called deep brain stimulation that would eventually change his life. "When I was diagnosed it felt like I was launched into space," he says. "I was in orbit for ten years. For me, the surgery was like coming back to Earth."
At first, Richard says he was very resistant to the idea. "Brain surgery is very scary. Eventually, I got to the point where I knew I had to improve the quality of my life." Thanks to the support of his family, the doctors and staff at CNI, and former patients like Greg Hatstat, Richard found the emotional strength to face the surgery.
"Dr. Kumar and Dr. McVicker are world class. Greg was my mentor through the entire process. My parents and sister were amazing."
On October 4, 2002, Richard had surgery to implant an electric probe in the subthalamic nucleus on the right hemisphere of his brain. During a second surgery on December 6, a pacemaker was implanted, and on December 17 the pacemaker was activated, sending electrical impulses to the area of his brain causing his symptoms. The results were dramatic, like flipping a switch.
"I came in on a wheelchair and walked out on my own two feet," he said proudly. "I felt like the Six Million Dollar Man. I was Bionic!"
Since the surgery, the tremors and dyskinesia are gone. He can sleep comfortably. He can drive a car and play golf. He gets stronger every day and has gained twenty pounds. Best of all, he says, he feels "on" all day.
Right now, all he wants to do is enjoy his new life. "I wake up every day with gratitude as I realize how fortunate I am to have received a second chance at life."
Contact CNI: For appointments, referrals & info: 1.855.463.6264
The medical information presented on this website is meant for general educational purpose only. Individuals should consult their physician regarding specific medical concerns or treatment.
Having worked for 25 years in television news, Scott Orr has seen and reported on just about every kind of story you can imagine. But last summer, he found himself at the center of a feature he never imagined possible: his own battle with Parkinson's disease (PD).