Big Data frightened me. Just what is Big Data? The Wikipedia definition is “any collection of data sets so large and complex that it becomes difficult to process using traditional data processing applications.” It makes me think about the Government spying on everything in my life.

Recently, however, I received news about Big Data that changed my attitude. Because I feel so blessed to have been able to work with Lori and Bob Patin, I donate my royalties from Lori’s Lessons to the Michael J. Fox Foundation where it is used to aid Parkinson’s research. I want my book to improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients in every possible way. As a result of my contributions, I received a letter about MJF teaming up with Intel for an amazing new, Big Data study.

In this study, cellular research on Parkinson’s patients goes hand in glove with research in which patients are equipped with wearable devices that will capture data about their symptoms – slowness of movement, tremors, sleep disturbances – round the clock. In other words, biological research will be matched with clinical data. The report says MJF will “analyze that data to gain new and deeper insights into the nature of PD.”

Lori’s Parkinson’s specialist, Dr. Michael Rezak, believes that “We are not that far from a cure.” Lori works 24/7 combatting her disease and remains ever hopeful because “I am buying time until research finds a cure.” That may come sooner than we thought.