A Caregiver Never Retires
The Parkinson’s Journey of Dr. Charles A. Babbush
The Parkinson’s Journey of Dr. Charles A. Babbush
A Caregiver Never Retires
More than half a century ago, maxillofacial surgeon Charles “Chuck” A. Babbush (Papa), DDS, MScD, helped popularize the use of dental implants. Drawing on new methods, Chuck implanted artificial teeth regularly in his practice, often in cases that would have been considered beyond repair.
If you ask Chuck, though, his job was to remind his patients of their worth and give them the confidence to smile again. He even wrote a book, “As Good as New,” encouraging patients to take charge of their dental health. Chuck’s writing also invited fellow caregivers to prioritize their patients’ feelings and experiences.
Soon, Chuck was confronted with his own medical challenge—one that is the worst fear of a surgeon like him. Initially, he dismissed the minor tremor in his right arm, but before his Parkinson’s disease became too obtrusive and patient safety came into play, Chuck made the decision to retire from the work he loved so much.
Chuck sought the patient-focused treatment he expected of himself as a caregiver. His initial appointments were positive. Chuck’s care team suggested he be evaluated for deep brain stimulation surgery.
As Chuck awaited an answer, his symptoms worsened significantly. His dyskinesia caused such nonstop movement that he quickly lost 50 pounds. The condition zapped Chuck’s energy. Mundane tasks, even sitting in a chair, left him in discomfort.
A seemingly final obstacle—being denied the surgery—would have derailed many, but not Chuck. Despite the setback, he remained hopeful.
Soon, Chuck was confronted with his own medical challenge—one that is the worst fear of a surgeon like him. Initially, he dismissed the minor tremor in his right arm, but before his Parkinson’s disease became too obtrusive and patient safety came into play, Chuck made the decision to retire from the work he loved so much.
Chuck sought the patient-focused treatment he expected of himself as a caregiver. His initial appointments were positive. Chuck’s care team suggested he be evaluated for deep brain stimulation surgery.
As Chuck awaited an answer, his symptoms worsened significantly. His dyskinesia caused such nonstop movement that he quickly lost 50 pounds. The condition zapped Chuck’s energy. Mundane tasks, even sitting in a chair, left him in discomfort.
A seemingly final obstacle—being denied the surgery—would have derailed many, but not Chuck. Despite the setback, he remained hopeful.
Going out on a Limb
At the urging of a family friend, Chuck pursued a second opinion at University Hospitals last October and received approval to proceed with deep brain stimulation surgery just a few weeks later.
Chuck also wants men and women facing Parkinson’s to know that the quality of care he received at UH met his personal and professional standards.
Chuck credits UH caregivers, especially neurosurgeon Jennifer Sweet, MD, and neurologist Aasef Shaikh, MD, PhD, Vice Chair, Research, Department of Neurology, UH Cleveland Medical Center, with critical roles in his journey to recovery. Both are nationally renowned clinicians and researchers, versed in the newest procedures and treatment plans.
According to Chuck, not all hospital systems expend significant resources on Parkinson’s disease patients. “UH has really gone out on a limb to do something for us,” he said.
The Work Continues
Inspired by his much improved condition post-operation, Chuck and his wife, Sandy, made a gift to establish the Babbush Family Fund for Parkinson’s Education, Research and Innovation at UH.
Clinical trials are revolutionary for the approximately one million Americans affected by Parkinson’s, but Chuck believes there are simple ways to help.
Quotidian tasks like tying shoelaces can be daunting for people like Chuck. So, he made countless visits to pharmacies and big box stores on the lookout for products to amplify his extremity strength and tune his motor skills. With support from the Babbush Family Fund, Chuck wants to create a standard “Parkinson’s starter kit” containing tools to maintain and improve quality of life for patients to receive upon diagnosis when emotions swirl and uncertainty roars.
Chuck is working with Camilla Kilbane, MD, Director of the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Center at UH, to survey the Parkinson’s patient population about what tools they need to live well. From there, with support from UH Ventures, the hospital system’s health care innovation and commercialization platform, the team hopes to refine and commercialize the items included in the kit, offer it to Parkinson’s patients, and market it for widespread adoption.
“You Can’t Make This Journey Alone”
While UH provided the quality, compassionate medical intervention that Chuck needed, he credits his family with getting him through the most difficult parts of his journey.
“All of my children and their families are beautiful—inside and out,” he said.
And then there is Sandy, Chuck’s most important caregiver, who not only helps Chuck around the clock but has a passion equal to his for finding ways to better treat Parkinson’s disease.
“I don’t care how we get this thing done as long as it gets done,” Sandy said. In fact, the whole Babbush family is joining in support of the family’s efforts to create awareness and build a community of love and support.
Tears fell from Chuck’s eyes as he reflected on his family.
As Chuck’s vision unfolds, that journey will become less lonely.
