Jerry Gill is taking charge with Parkinson's disease

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EDMOND Jerry Gill understands he has Parkinson's disease. And he is working hard to stay out of a rocker or from behind a walker.

Jerry Gill works on his balance with Integris Health Edmond physical therapist Samantha Klepper. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

It may be a life sentence, but not a death sentence, said Gill, 2011 distinguished alumni in the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame.

Gill, 67, decided two years ago when he diagnosed with the disease that sitting around wasn't for him.

At first, I felt sorry for myself, said Gill, a three-year starter for the Cowboy's football team in the 1960s. I started reading literature and seeing what I could do.

He has been exercising three times a week, at times yelling orange power, as part of Integris Health Edmond Jim Thorpe outpatient clinic's PWR! Up program.

Samantha Klepper, Edmond's Jim Thorp lead physical therapist, said PWR! Up and Speak Out, a voice therapy program, are new programs for Parkinson's patients.

Klepper is one of the few Oklahoma therapists affiliated with PWR! Up and does the training in Edmond.

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Jerry Gill is taking charge with Parkinson's disease