Pat Erickson featured in video for Parkinson's drug

Shoreline resident Pat Erickson (left, with her husband Steve) will be featured in an informational video for the Novartis Pharmaceutical Company.

Pat, who has Parkinson's Disease, manages her symptoms with the help of a drug produced by Novartis.

In March, they filmed her over a two-day period, at home, running a charity event, and performing as her alter ego, Mrs. Wigglesworth.

I had a very interesting day, as I was followed by a film crew. Actually, they came first to my house and then followed me to a vintage fashion show we held at Riverside East Retirement Community. Although it was quite fun, I was exhausted that night! The next day, they filmed Mrs. Wigglesworth telling stories and then did some more interviewing.

The video will be given to doctors and newly diagnosed patients to show them what people are able to do with their lives, even when they have Parkinson's disease.

One of the ironies in all this is that I went from not telling anyone about my disease to becoming a voice that will be heard in physician's offices and by newly diagnosed patients all over the country. The director from the film crew pointed that out to me.  I - who in the beginning told some friends it was just their imagination when they asked if anything was wrong - addressed a group of around 400 salespeople at a nationwide sales meeting for Novartis in Phoenix last December. Life is kinda funny, isn't it?

Pat's fundraiser for Parkinson's research, the Walk to the Future, will be held on Saturday, July 24 at the Edmonds-Woodway High School Stadium from 8 am to 8 pm. Volunteers form teams and get pledges for their day-long walk.

The day will feature music, entertainers, and prizes for the team and the individual bringing in the most contributions.

Information and Registration forms are available for download on the Pinky's Passion website or call Pat Erickson at 206-542-8777.

Please join us on our walk as we raise money to make the dream of a Parkinson’s free world a reality.