To mark the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s 210th anniversary, the School held its annual gala in Baltimore on April 29th. A focused ultrasound patient and advocate, Kimberly Spletter, co-chaired the event.

Kimberly at the UMD Gala (Courtesy of University of Maryland School of Medicine)

The crowd of more than 1,000 attendees watched a brief video about Kimberly’s experience with Parkinson’s and how her focused ultrasound treatment at the University changed her life. She then helped emcee the event, which was themed Envisioning a Vibrant Tomorrow.

“The evening was beautiful. It was nice to be able to be with the people who helped me so much,” recalls Kimberly. “It’s so important to me to get the word out about focused ultrasound and about the clinical trial so it can help others.”

Kimberly’s Parkinson’s symptoms started at age 44, and soon the debilitating dyskinesia brought on by her medication made walking a challenge. In September 2015, Kimberly was among the first US patients treated at the University of Maryland using focused ultrasound. She describes the experience as “a miracle.”

Immediately following her procedure, Kimberly noted: “I’ve shuffled for so long. Now, for the first time in 3 years, I can take big steps and walk with a purpose. I’m learning to walk with a normal gait.”

WATCH HER VIDEO >