Driver with Parkinson’s Disease catches netizens’ attention

A driver with Parkinson’s Disease recently went viral after a netizen uploaded his video.

In the video, Neil, who drives a UV Express on the Pasig-Binangonan route, was seen shaking profusely as though having convulsions. He could hardly speak and you’d think he had no control over his movements.

But by speaking with him, the video uploader — a netizen named Janine — discovered that Neil has been living with Parkinson's Disease for nine years already. He’s been a professional driver for 30.

“Maayos pa rin magmaneho si Kuya kahit ganito ang sitwasyon niya,” Janine said.

According to Neil, passengers would get down from his van whenever he suffers an attack. There are others who would make fun of him, laugh at him and worst, think he’s a drug addict.

Such reactions hurt his feelings, and these days, being thought of as a drug addict has even become dangerous, but Neil takes it all in stride for his family.

Driving has always brought him joy and success. Being a jeepney driver, he was able to save enough money to buy a house and even his own van.

But one night in 2010, his wife Deth noticed something was off with Neil. “Nung nagpapaabot ako sa kanya, ang bagal-bagal,” Deth narrates. “Kapag kausapin mo, walang facial expression. Kausapin mo siya, parang walang naririnig. Minsan maiinis ka, ano ba to? Para siyang naging robot.”

He tried therapy for one month, went to a witch doctor to be sure, but Neil’s condition worsened. Because of his involuntary movements, he stopped driving.

It was only after three years that they learned what’s wrong: Neil had Parkinson’s Disease, a disorder in the nervous system that affects movement.

Because he was given proper medication, Neil was able to return to driving in 2014, a most fortunate development given the amount of debt his family has incurred, and the amount of money they will be needing for his medication.

Despite the cruel reaction of the public, Neil is proud of the fact that he has never gotten into an accident.

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, people with Parkinson’s Disease can still drive, as long as they pass the driver’s exam. 

“Hindi hadlang ang sakit ko para ako’y hindi makapagmaneho. Patuloy akong magtatrabaho nang maayos para sa mga anak ko,” Neil said.

For those who want to help Neil:

• BDO Account Name: RODINEIL DALISAY
• BDO Account Number: 012090068740
• BDO Binangonan, Rizal Branch

— LA, GMA News