November Newsletter Update

When I first started these monthly newsletters, my goal was not just to publicize my work, but more importantly, to bridge the gap between readers and author and to be a conduit for information that might be of value in your lives. Many of you have generously provided me with info to share with others, opening up your own lives in the process. Now it is my turn.

I've been fortunate to have good teachers in my life, beginning with my parents. I truly believe that life is not about seeing who dies with the most goodies, nor is it about leaving with the most friends at the funeral. To me, life is about touching as many people as you can in a positive manner. With that in mind, I reveal something personal that has been going on in my life in the hopes that it may help some of you:

About eighteen months ago, while in the midst of writing THE SHELL GAME, I began experiencing some strange physical changes. No, I wasn't turning into the Hulk. It started with severe toe cramps. No big deal, everyone gets them, but these were really painful spasms that would occur at anytime. Then I noticed I was having difficulty playing the drums - specifically the bass drum with my right foot when my friends and I would have our occasional band jam sessions. During stressful situations my right leg would shake uncontrollably, the spasm originating around my hip/groin. I began wondering if the very nature of the novel I was writing was getting to my nerves. THE SHELL GAME is that kind of book, and the research and info I was obtaining was scaring me more than a bit.

Over the next six months the nerve control in my right arm became affected, and to my dismay, I really began struggling to keep the beat going with my right leg AND arm when I played the drums. I realized I was losing the fine nerve control on my dominant side.

I saw a neurologist last April, who ran a series of tests and did an MRI of my brain and spine. No tumors, no visible damage. I began seeing a second neurologist a few months ago. In October, the second neurologist concurred with the first (drum roll please): I have Parkinson's Disease.

Yeah, that sucks. My reaction may surprise you. I was NOT angry, I did NOT blame God, kick the wall, feel sorry for myself, find myself in denial, or call Michael J. Fox (though I did read his autobiography). My reaction has simply been: Okay, I'll deal with it. I know the condition will progress, at the same time I am seeing a good doctor with drugs that can help. I've started taking Requipp, but the side effects have forced me to cut back. Instead, being an old Phys. Ed. guy, I am relying on increased workouts to regain control of my body.

My response to PD is based on PERSPECTIVES, and many of you have contributed to these by sharing your own situations in e-mails over the years.

Just this week fires ravaged California, destroying hundreds of homes and taking an immense toll on thousands of families. War rages on in Iraq, stealing the lives of innocents. Families of American soldiers remain separated from loved ones. Tens of thousands of soldiers are wounded and will carry these battle scars for the rest of their lives. Suicide rates among vets are alarmingly high. And tragedy strikes randomly all too often. Two of the lead characters in THE SHELL GAME are named after two young women who died tragically before their time. As a parent, I cannot imagine the sorrow these parents feel every day, and I look upon it as an honor to be given the task of memorializing them as characters in my work.

I have been blessed with a beautiful family, supportive loving parents, life-long friends, terrific business associates, and incredible fans to feel sorry for my predicament for even one minute would make me feel nothing but shame. I AM LUCKY!

The efforts of Michael J. Fox and others to combat Parkinsons and other diseases through stem cell research is vitally important. I ask that you support his efforts. If any of you work for such a foundation or project and need my support - just ask. As for my own efforts, I have always supported charity auctions and will continue to do so (my niece has cystic fibrosis and CF foundations are making vital inroads to combat that disease as well). For now forgive me: I am simply so new into this that it will take me some time to figure out what I can do to help.

Your well-wishes are always appreciated but if you REALLY want to help me make a difference, then, come January, purchase The SHELL GAME and read it! Then tell your friends and neighbors and friends at work to do the same. The book's success will give me a bigger light to shine, but MORE IMPORTANT is the book's message!

There were two reasons I decided to let you know about my Parkinsons. First, if knowledge of my situation can help one of you or yours, then that is a good thing. Second, I plan to tour to support THE SHELL GAME and (hopefully) be a guest on many talk shows in January and February. Stress (and excitement) increases my tremors, so if you see me shaking like a freezing poodle on THE DAILY SHOW or FOX News, I wanted you to know why I am shaking. I am NOT afraid nor nervous, my body is simply gearing up for battle.

One last note: Just as this Newsletter was about to be sent out, a friend sent me this YouTube video:
Click Here

Please watch it and pass it on! When you see it, you'll see why.

That's all for now. In December, I hope to have an update on the MEG movie and the release of MEG: Hell's Aquarium. Stay well, stay in touch, and know I appreciate you.