Bob de Carolis has Parkinson's

Submitted by FrankMurphy on

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6801689/oregon-state-bob-d…

Before going to Oregon St., de Carolis worked in Michigan's AD for 19 years in various different capacities and was a short list candidate to succeed Bill Martin. He played a huge role in Michigan athletics during his time here, so this is sad news indeed. Thoughts and prayers for him and his family.

BRCE

July 26th, 2011 at 1:57 PM ^

He was my first choice in the AD search and is by all accounts a great guy. Certainly beloved at Oregon State. Sad stuff.

redhousewolverine

July 26th, 2011 at 2:17 PM ^

He is a really great man and his daughters are some of the most delightful people you could meet. It breaks my heart to hear that something so difficult has happened to their family. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

CalifExile

July 26th, 2011 at 3:10 PM ^

As noted, a truly great guy. I knew him when he was coaching women's softball. It's hard to imagine him at anything less than full speed.

I hope he responds well to treatment. It's encouraging that he plans to fulfill his contract which was extended 5 years until 2016.

aaamichfan

July 26th, 2011 at 3:19 PM ^

Luckily, I don't think Parkinson's is as big a deal as it once was. Muhammad Ali was diagnosed almost 30 years ago, and his condition actually seems to be better now than it was 10 years ago. Michael J Fox's situation was looking pretty grim about ten years ago, but he now seems to have impoved as well. Considering that a lot of research and advancement  is currently being done for neurological disorders, it wouldn't surprise me if his life is never severely impacted.

michiganmike

July 26th, 2011 at 3:31 PM ^

the optimism with regards to the medical advancements, I assure you that it is still a big deal for many people, unfortunately. As someone who has seen my grandfather and father battle this disease, I wish Mr. de Carolis the best and hope that he responds well.

aaamichfan

July 26th, 2011 at 3:39 PM ^

It has definitely been an issue for people diagnosed years ago, but I think the prognosis for people being diagnosed nowadays is getting better. I understand it's still no cakewalk, but at least there is hope for newly-diagnosed people to live a full and relatively normal life.

74polSKA

July 26th, 2011 at 3:44 PM ^

I'm no expert but I think it depends on how you respond to the medicine and the access you have to treatment.  I'm sure celebrities have access to/can afford the best of the best.  My understanding from my mom is that she has about 12 years or so until the medication will no longer work (you start out on low dose and increase over time).  There are so many variables that I don't think any two cases are really the same.  I hope he and his family do whatever they need to make the most of whatever time they do have together.

michiganmike

July 26th, 2011 at 3:49 PM ^

My dad was diagnosed about 6 or 7 years ago, so he has had access to most of the newest treatment and has had his ups and downs. It really does depend on how each patient responds to the medication and potential surgeries (like Deep Brain Stimulation, which he had a couple years back). Hope is a wonderful thing, though.