In the following
years, Parkinson's began to take away Ali's motor skills and his ability
to speak coherently, but he never strayed from the spotlight.
"Even
though Muhammad has Parkinson's and his speech isn't what it used to
be, he can speak to people with his eyes. He can speak to people with
his heart, and they connect with him," wife Lonnie Ali said.
She said doctors told her the disease was not the result of absorbing too many punches but a genetic condition.
Ten
weeks before Ali's match in 1980 against Larry Holmes, a team of
doctors at the Mayo Clinic submitted a medical report to the Nevada
State Athletic Commission describing a small hole in his brain's outer
layer and noting that the boxer reported a tingling sensation in his
hands and slurred speech. He retired permanently in 1981.
Ali
was instrumental in raising awareness of Parkinson's and in 1997, he
and his wife co-founded the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix,
Arizona, to provide comprehensive care for those living with the
disease, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. On Saturday the center posted a video in which patients paid tribute to Ali and to his fight against Parkinson's disease.
"We
are saddened by the loss of Muhammad Ali, who faced Parkinson's disease
with great courage and tenacity," PDF President Robin Elliott said in a
statement. "In making his diagnosis public, he provided hope for
millions of others and helped the cause immeasurably. We celebrate his
extraordinary life and contributions to the cause and send our deepest
condolences to his wife Lonnie and his family. In all areas of life, he
truly was 'the Champ' and 'the greatest.'"
No comments:
Post a Comment