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Headlines 15 That fear proved to be groundless and Ross found himself surrounded by love, understanding and support. While he has stepped down from his role as a solicitor, he has kept remarkably active. Now in his 60s, Ross is still whitebaiting, golfing and even cycling, both before and after his surgery. “You can wrap yourself in cotton wool and wait to die, or you can live as if there is no tomorrow!” Ross doesn’t sugarcoat what it means to have PD. While some days are good, on others he can barely tie his shoes or turn a page in a book. It can take 20 minutes for his body to summon the energy to cross a road. “There are numerous occasions where I have forgotten my wallet, phone, golf shoes, my pills – even my dog.” “Fortunately, I have yet to forget Lindy or our children or grandchildren!” He hopes that by sharing his story with others with PD, they might “get some light-hearted relief and continue doing things while they can”. Ross’s brother Des and a good friend Dennis Spence helped to compile The River Dancer , and says his story will resonate with PD patients the world over. “Ross has a great sense of humour and an ability to laugh at situations he finds himself in because of the disease,” Dennis says. “But he never looks for sympathy from the reader and always shows a determination to live as normal a life as is possible, one that is extraordinary in its depth.” Having brain surgery Ross was treated by one of New Zealand’s leading PD specialists, Dr Barry Snow, who was a recipient of the Neurological Foundation’s prestigious V J Chapman Fellowship earlier in his career, and Chair of the Foundation’s Council from 2017 to 2020. Dr Snow suggested Ross undergo a type of brain surgery called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). At first reluctant, Ross received the ground-breaking surgery in 2017. The operation was performed by the Movement Disorders Group at Auckland Hospital. Ross was astonished to experience an immediate reprieve from almost all the symptoms of PD. DBS involves inserting two metal probes deep into your brain. An incision is made across the hairline, before two holes are drilled in the skull, and the probes inserted. The probes are then attached to an electronic device that sits under the skin on your chest. The device stimulates the brain with an electronic pulse, directly changing the brain's activity in a controlled manner. DBS is not a cure for PD, but it is usually effective in reducing some motor symptoms such as tremors, although this relief can diminish over time. Not all patients are eligible, and less than 20 people receive the treatment in New Zealand each year. “I had this operation in 2017 and it was extremely helpful to me and has been to this very day,” Ross says. Ross Underwood with his wife Lindy. Ross has written a book about his life both before and after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. “Ross has a great sense of humour and an ability to laugh at situations he finds himself in because of the disease, but he never looks for sympathy from the reader and always shows a determination to live as normal a life as is possible, one that is extraordinary in its depth.” Ross has pledged to donate $5 from every book sold to the Neurological Foundation to support future research. The book is available through Paper Plus Te Puke which is selling the book at cost and are happy to freight. We also have three copies of The River Dancer to giveaway to our subscribers – entry details are on the back page of the subscriber letter.