This image is the cover for the book Parkinson's Hasn't Got Me Yet

Parkinson's Hasn't Got Me Yet

Willie McCarney’s early years were studded with a series of traumatic incidents culminating in the death of his mother, when he was still under 10 years old. Everyone has to learn to deal with the ups and downs of life but Willie seemed to be getting more than his fair share of hard knocks. A Japanese proverb advises: “Fall down seven times. Stand up eight”. Like a baby learning to walk, Willie was back on his feet after every knockdown, stronger than before. He studied hard, qualified as a teacher and later as a trainer of teachers. He got married. Three months after the wedding his wife was struck down with an incurable disease. To hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, takes strength. Willie was not going to allow himself to be crushed, not even when Parkinson’s came knocking at his door. This book is the story of his fight back which continues 10 years on. He argues that the more physically active you are, the easier it is to live well with Parkinson’s. He offers hope in the future.

Willie McCarney

Dr Willie McCarney was a University Lecturer training future teachers how to work with disaffected youth. He was also a Lay Magistrate in Belfast Youth Court and in Belfast Family Proceedings Court for 34 years. He was President of the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates. He travelled the world on behalf of the United Nations Development Prpgramme, UNICEF and the Council of Europe training judges in the use of international instruments concerning the rights of the child. Considering all he accomplished, it is hard to believe that his life’s path was strewn with traumatic events from early childhood through adulthood. This book focuses on one event, his battle with Parkinson’s, and illustrates his resilience in the face of adversity. Dr McCarney is a Doctor of Psychology, not a Doctor of Medicine. Parkinson’s Hasn’t Got Me Yet’ is a fascinating and well researched manuscript about Parkinson’s Disease. It covers what the disease is, who it affects, the symptoms and the treatment through medication and exercise. The manuscript is based on the author’s diary. Starting four years before diagnosis the author records, with well-balanced sensitivity and striking honesty, how the symptoms affect him. He made no secret of the fact that he had Parkinson’s. The inclusion of the record of his walking achievements fundraising for Parkinson’s support his argument that Parkinson’s did not have him. The author also included hospital/doctor appointments. The names of consultants and medical staff treating the author and others offering various levels of support are not included, in the interests of anonymity.

Austin Macauley Publishers