About the Artist
Michael J. Wackell, Sr., 58 years old, is a long-time resident and business owner in Millbury and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2012. He's been married to his wife Diane for 28 years, is the father of four and a grandfather to three. In addition to being an outdoors man and an active musician, Michael has always had a passion for art.
The shaking, tremors, stiffness and rigidity in his arms and hands and the loss of fine motor skills make many things difficult. The muscle stiffness can be painful and definitely limits his range of motion. Since Michael is right-handed and has lost a considerable amount of dexterity and fine motor skills in that hand, he has learned to use his left hand to compensate for that loss.
One of the most inspiring things that has come from learning to use his left, non-dominant hand, is Michael's ability to paint. Painting with Parkinson's provides Michael amazing therapy for his hands and most importantly his spirit. Although tremors remain, Michael is able to paint almost every day, often for hours at a time. With brush to canvas, his symptoms, as well as his mind are quieted as his art becomes a meditation and his studio a sanctuary.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's Disease.
Please consider donating to this important cause today.
The shaking, tremors, stiffness and rigidity in his arms and hands and the loss of fine motor skills make many things difficult. The muscle stiffness can be painful and definitely limits his range of motion. Since Michael is right-handed and has lost a considerable amount of dexterity and fine motor skills in that hand, he has learned to use his left hand to compensate for that loss.
One of the most inspiring things that has come from learning to use his left, non-dominant hand, is Michael's ability to paint. Painting with Parkinson's provides Michael amazing therapy for his hands and most importantly his spirit. Although tremors remain, Michael is able to paint almost every day, often for hours at a time. With brush to canvas, his symptoms, as well as his mind are quieted as his art becomes a meditation and his studio a sanctuary.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's Disease.
Please consider donating to this important cause today.