Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Fred Lawrence.  Fred’s guest speaker was Rotarian Tom Sparkman.  Tommy spoke to us about his disorder SPG-7.  Spastic paraplegia type 7 is part of a group of genetic disorders known as hereditary spastic paraplegias. These disorders are characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (spasticity) and the development of paralysis of the lower limbs (paraplegia).  Like all hereditary spastic paraplegias, spastic paraplegia type 7 involves spasticity of the leg muscles and increased muscle weakness. People with this form of spastic paraplegia can also experience exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia) in the arms; speech difficulties (dysarthria); difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); involuntary movements of the eyes (nystagmus).  The onset of symptoms varies greatly among those with spastic paraplegia type 7; however, abnormalities in muscle tone and other features are usually noticeable in adulthood.  SPG-7 is transmitted when both parents are carriers, and then children have a 1 in 4 chance in contracting the disorder, but all the children will be carriers.  Tommy’s symptoms first occurred in March of 2006.  Since then there have been numerous tests; MRI, CT scans, Spinal Tap’s, Blood tests, etc., to identify the disorder.  Tommy now has difficulties with balance (stairs and uneven or moving surfaces), coordination (every movement has to be coordinated and he has to “think” about walking), his “gate” (walk) looks like he could fall down, and stiffening of the lower body.  Involuntary movement of the eyes and slurred speech are also symptoms Tommy exhibits.  His symptoms sometimes mimic drunkenness.  It takes a lot of energy for him to do “normal” things and he gets very tired easily.  Weather also plays a role in the severity of the exhibited symptoms…cold and extreme differences in temperature, can make it worse.  There are no treatments or cure for SPG-7, he will never get rid of it and can only deal with the symptoms. SPG-7 is very rare and unusual with very little known about it.  Tommy has a great attitude and a bright outlook for his future!    -submitted by Mike Arndt         

Birthdays This Month

Fred Lawrence - Feb. 2nd

Randy Bailey - Feb. 3rd

Charles Harris - Feb. 13th

Mike Stone - Feb. 13th

Jeremy Gaffney - Feb. 21st

Billy Keel - Feb. 25th

Jimmy Carapezza - Feb. 27th

Lewis Marshall - Feb. 27^th

Club Anniversaries This Month