Dear Dr. Almeida and Dr. Park,

Each time I steady my hands to take a photograph while traveling or simply sit upright through an entire meal without the “Parkinson’s slide,” I am reminded of the life you have helped me reclaim—your dedication and care have truly transformed my world. 

When Parkinson’s disease entered my life at age 44, it brought an avalanche of uncertainty. My fulfilling roles as a clinical psychologist and ethics professor at Columbia University slipped away, and each day felt like a battle against an unrelenting adversary. The thought of my sons and my wife witnessing my decline weighed heavily, casting long shadows over my hope.

Yet, in those darkest moments, your expertise became a beacon of light. 

The decision to undergo deep brain stimulation under your care was life-altering, and the procedure has been nothing short of miraculous. Within days, debilitating symptoms subsided, and I regained the ability to perform daily tasks that once seemed insurmountable, like buttoning a shirt or writing a note. 

For the first time in years, I can savor life’s simplest joys—whether walking steadily, sharing a meal, or successfully completing a two-week safari to Tanzania and Kenya, an adventure that would have been unimaginable before surgery.

Today, I am no longer defined solely by my illness. My family and I have embarked on new journeys, from establishing neuroscience fellowships for aspiring researchers to exploring breathtaking landscapes. Each step forward feels like a second chance—a testament to the resilience you have helped me rediscover.

You have reignited my spirit, restored my dignity, and instilled in me the profound gift of hope. You’ve enabled me to face the unknown with courage, embracing life’s uncertainties as opportunities for growth. For that, I will forever be grateful.

Thank you for all that you do, not just for me, but for countless others whose lives you transform each day.

— Shamir A. Khan, PhD, in a letter to M Health Fairview neurologist Leonardo Brito de Almeida, MD, MS, and neurosurgeon Michael Park, MD, PhD