Papa’ Path Joins Road Scholar’s Awareness Fleet

Road Scholar Transport’s awareness fleet just got a little bigger with our newest addition this month, Papa’s Path.  We’ve caught up with Jeff Babbush, Amy Babbush Eisenberg, and David Babbush, the children of Sandy and Chuck Babbush (known as Papa by his grandchildren) to learn more about this organization whose premise is to raise awareness and funds for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

“Our father, Dr. Charles Babbush, was first diagnosed with essential tremors in 2012 while practicing as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon specializing in implant dentistry,” Amy explained.  “He lectured and taught all over the world, making a real difference in the lives of his students and patients alike.  As his tremors increased in severity, he made the difficult decision to retire from his surgical practice.

“Along with the dramatic shift in symptoms, came a confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis in 2017.  With the decline in his quality of life and ability to do things independently diminished, he had requested an evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS surgery.  Although he was first denied the procedure because of his age (almost 85 years), a family friend had suggested he be evaluated at University Hospitals.  Two weeks later, he was approved, and surgery was scheduled for January 5, 2023.  Following this life changing surgery (7 hours of surgery), our parents were so grateful for the results and the incredibly supportive team at UH Hospitals, that they decided to make a gift and create the Babbush Family Fund for Parkinson's Education, Research and Innovation at University Hospitals.  It was at that point that we (his children/spouses/grandchildren) decided to host our event and launch it with our Papa's Path website. 

“Jeff shared his idea that we challenge ourselves to walk a continuous 24 hours to replicate the feel of the constant motion of those living with Parkinson's and movement disorders.  We were on board and immediately got to work creating a website to build a community for those impacted by Parkinson's.  By sharing our stories through Papa's Path, it's our hope that others will not only visit our site often, but they'll think of us as a valuable resource, a source of support and a path toward making an impact together.  And we did it...we walked the full 24 hours with family and friends joining in throughout and walking our final hour together with your fabulous Road Scholar custom Papa's Path truck leading the way.  We had a caravan of walkers that were greeted by members of our UH team, along with our family and friends cheering us on and watching as Papa ceremoniously crossed the finish line.”

But how did the idea of creating an awareness truck and its design come about?  Amy explains:

“Through Jeff's work with Road Scholar Transport, he learned of your awareness campaign.  We all felt that this would be the perfect avenue to spread the word of Papa's Path and initiate further conversation about those living with Parkinson's.

“We worked with a family friend, Hannah Frayman, who volunteered her time to create our Papa's Path logo.  We shared our story and she was able to take our vision and come up with something that truly felt like our family and represented what we had experienced (and continue to experience) on our journey with dad.  Together with Sheila Margolis, who designed and built our website, we were able draft an image for the truck.  Putting the finishing touches on the final graphic was Bridget Barrett (and crew) who would not give up until we were done and had given our final approval. What a team!!!

“Just prior to our event on October 7th through the 8th, your fabulous drivers, Jason Burton and Christine Cicero, hit the road for Cleveland.  They led our caravan for the final hour of our 24 hour walk into the Ahuja Medical Center parking lot where it was on display and in full view of all of our guests and supporters.  We are thrilled to know that our special truck will be on the road for all to see.”

Road Scholar’s awareness truck will continue to travel the road with the Papa’s Path trailer 24/7, helping to keep its mission going and spread awareness.

For those not familiar Parkinson’s Disease, Amy sheds some light on their first-hand experience:

“From a personal perspective, we were initially unaware of the magnitude of symptoms that would eventually prevent Dad from living life in the way that he was accustomed.  For example, his speech was impaired, so he often felt like he was slurring his words.  Or when his dyskinesia (involuntary movements) was so prominent, he quickly lost 50 lbs making it hard to sit without extra cushions or requiring an armchair to keep him safe.   We had to purchase new clothes not only that would fit him properly, but also that were comfortable and soft to touch, as he was so sensitive to everything.  Some foods were hard to swallow, so we focused on softer more mildly flavored options when eating.  

“What we've learned through this journey and on this path with him, is that we have to continue to explore and find ways to manage life with even the simplest of tasks.  For that reason, one of our first projects through Papa's Path will be develop a starter kit of adaptive living aids that will help those like our father and assist in everyday living, such as weighted cutlery for eating, reach sticks and zipper pulls for dressing and a sponge on a stick for bathing.  We want to take that research and guesswork out of finding basic tools that can positively impact daily tasks in a big way.”

But sometimes it’s not enough to imagine one’s experience but to see it first-hand.

“As part of my father's commitment to the DBS surgery, he asked that UH document his journey and share the before and after results so that others may benefit.  Please watch this very powerful 4-minute video, we so proudly share.  It will provide you valuable insight into the challenges and everyday life struggles of those living with Parkinson's.”

 Amy closed off our interview by saying, “What an amazing way to couple a need for your trucks to be on the road with a greater purpose and intent, knowing that every mile your trucks travel provides more awareness to so many worthwhile and meaningful causes…Papa's Path being just one of your entire fleet. 

“Road Scholar Transport is truly making a positive impact not only on the road, but in the hearts of your followers.  Thank you for creating a platform that allows us all to spread the word and make a difference.”