The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s was formed by former professional baseball player and manager Kirk Gibson after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015.
Gibson spent most of his career with the Detroit Tigers. He also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He is currently the color commentator for the Detroit Tigers, special assistant to the Tigers, and spends his time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s by helping people manage their Parkinson’s, while working towards finding a cure.
During April, which is also Parkinson’s Awareness Month and hosted World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s has announced, “Down the Line,” a new audio project through the foundation.
Parkinson’s patients and loved ones are encouraged to call 313-395-8523 and leave a brief voicemail for themselves or a loved one on the day they were diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The message can be simple, such as, “What would you tell yourself on that day that you know now? What have you learned, or what would you change?”
The plan is to create a database of positive, motivational messages for future Parkinson’s patients to be able to tap into and hopefully learn from other’s experiences. Or even if someone just needs a motivational pick-me-up as they continue to battle Parkinson’s.
Some will be posted to the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s social media pages, and all will be posted on the website.  These messages will either be posted anonymously or by first name only. The number is available for messages 24 hours a day.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation was created in 1996 to provide college scholarships to students, both athletes and non-athletes at Waterford Kettering and Clarkston high schools.  Kirk’s parents, Robert and Barbara, taught at these schools for many years and bestowed upon Kirk the value of education and community.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, Kirk expanded the mission of the foundation to raise awareness and funding for Parkinson’s Research.
By promoting collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork the Kirk Gibson Foundation strives to impress the significance of this to patients, caregivers, neurologists, therapists, researchers, scientists, family, and friends. When we all collaborate, optimum benefits result.
Additional goals of the foundation are to create awareness and understanding about Parkinson’s disease. Too many individuals are in denial about the disease or fear a stigma associated with Parkinson’s and delay seeking medical help. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide years that are virtually symptom-free. It’s imperative to know that life expectancy is about the same as for people without the disease.
With diagnosis, life will change but with proper medication and other movement therapies, symptoms can be managed to continue an active and enjoyable life.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s will continue to fund and grow patient outreach programs and awareness by hosting special events all over the country.
For more information, visit kirkgibsonfoundation.org.

PHOTO: Kirk Gibson takes in a recent afternoon at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. Photo courtesy of Dawn Kelley for the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s