By Joanie Cox-Henry
Ask any musician in the South Florida community and they'll tell you they have either seen Dan O'Brien perform, shared a stage with him at some point over the years or know someone who has worked on a musical project with him. It's no surprise many consider O'Brien the Kevin Bacon of the South Florida music industry. It's a title that rightfully belongs to him.
After getting diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 11 years ago, the fearless musician made the brave decision to use his plight to fight the illness and become a champion for others who are also battling it. He says he has researched the condition so extensively he can have clinical discussions about it now. He has not only spearheaded the mission of becoming his own advocate, but he is determined to use his knowledge to improve the lives of others who share his same diagnosis. It was something he says he did after discovering how many people have Parkinson's and simply don't do the research on it.
"Being able to inspire others who are living with Parkinson's means everything to me. I sincerely believe that's why I got it," O'Brien said via phone from his recording studio in Fort Lauderdale. "I needed to do the research the help others."
And Dan O'Brien says he continues to put plenty of hours into researching Parkinson's disease. Nine years into his own Parkinson's journey, O'Brien underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery at the University of Miami Hospital, which he says drastically improved his life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation created new challenges for O'Brien and it was time to pivot again.
After a thorough evaluation, O’Brien had the DBS device implanted in January 2021, followed by a second surgery to implant the controller in his chest. Much like a remote control, O'Brien says the device resembles a TV remote and he often provides a demonstration of how the device stops his tremors at his shows.
He has extensively written about his experience of living with Parkinson's disease through three books. He just released the third book this month. All of the proceeds from the book go to his DOB charity which assists those who are struggling with the financial burdens of Parkinson’s disease.
"Anybody who has Parkinson's disease is having to face some astronomical bills," O'Brien explains. "Through my charity, we give money directly to these people to help them."
He actually launched his charity four years ago when he had no health insurance and was quickly finding out many others were in the same position.
The philanthropic musician often hosts benefit concerts in the South Florida community to raise money for Parkinson's survivors and his latest show will take place at Crazy Uncle Mikes on April 30 with a musical lineup that includes MNG Band, The Wolfe Pak Band, Bobby Nathan Big Band, Shaky T and a few surprises.
In addition to the work he does with his DOB charity, O'Brien was also chosen to be a Boston Scientific tour ambassador and he's already working on a forth book to add to his series. "My third book is about how things change in your life after you have Parkinson's and my fourth book will be a caregiver's perspective on the disease," he says.
From the moment he received his diagnosis, Dan O'Brien says he was immediately looking for the lessons in it.
"It triggers a hidden gift too," he says. "In my case, it has triggered my creativity and really inspired me to write more than I ever have before. Even my guitar playing is better."
O'Brien says he is also grateful for the many musicians in the South Florida community who continue to donate their time to support his cause.
"I have been really fortunate getting to work with so many incredible bands and club owners such as Mike Goodwin of Crazy Uncle Mike's who is always letting his venue be utilized to support worthwhile community causes," O'Brien adds. "We have amazing local artists donating their work for us to auction off. It's all about raising awareness.
Click this link to find out how you can attend and support the "Rockin To Knock Out Parkinson's" DOB Charity event April 30 at Crazy Uncle Mike's in Boca Raton.
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