Aug 15, 2008 5:36 pm US/Central
Parkinson's Patients Get Lives Back Through Dance
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Michael Lieb says the class for Parkinson's patients at Hubbard Street Dance has made a big difference in his fight against the disease.
CBS
A better quality of life for Parkinson's patients may be possible through dancing.
Michael Lieb has been suffering from Parkinson's disease for the past eight years.
"I'm not letting it rule me," Lieb said. "I'm trying to rule it."
Lieb says coming to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago each week and taking part in "Dance for Parkinson's" is giving him the upper hand in his fight.
"It has been the source of great inspiration and a source of hope," Lieb said.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports Parkinson's robs people of their ability to move. Doctors say they still don't know how or why it happens, and it affects about 1 percent of the population.
One thing doctors say they do know is dance seems to have an impact on the illness. More research is needed to explain why.
"They have sort of a new life, to improve the quality of the rest of their days and weeks," said Dr. James Young, Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Rush University Medical Center.
Rush University Medical Center partnered with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago to put together the free, three-month program.
"I've always known that dance can impact people's lives, but for these people it's especially amazing," said Sarah Fuller of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. "In fact I'm going to get a little choked up, because I'm so proud."
Many of the people taking part in Dance for Parkinson's say they don't even use their walkers as much since starting the class 12 weeks ago."
"It's enabled me to perform movements that I didn't think were possible for me, even before I was diagnosed with Parkinson's," Lied said.
Lieb says he's not only gained more flexibility and balance, but a new outlook on life.
Click here for a look at when the next session of free Dance for Parkinson's classes are being offered, or call 1 888 352 RUSH
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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