Professional and community involvement:
Special education teacher for MISD; Michael J. Fox Foundation (for Parkinson’s research) Patient Council member; congressionally directed medical research programs (Parkinson’s) integration panel member; member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease; blogger (www.parkinsonsoutreach.wordpress.com); author of articles published in Scientific American, Journal of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Journal and of “The Day I Found Out Why – My Life’s Journey With Parkinson’s Disease” (The title is based on Mark Twain’s quote, “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why.”)
How did you decide to serve the community as a volunteer with Michael J. Fox Foundation?
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2007 at 42 years old. After prolonged depression and finally coming to terms with my diagnosis, I made a promise to myself to do what I could, while I still could, to help make a difference in the PD community. My initial involvement was focused on increased clinical trial participation, which moved toward advocating for research funding, and then quality-of-life issues that impact the whole community. (Some research shows that about 5 percent of the population in any given community has PD). As my advocacy work began spreading to the state and national levels, I fully realized that any gains in research, funding, and outreach impacted the PD community in Midland.
What talents/skills do you share with the community through your role with the MJFF?
A focus that has dealt with research funding on the federal level naturally evolved to issues such as Medicare, telemedicine, therapy caps, funding, etc. As you can imagine, having a platform that includes these issues and any others that relate has allowed me to speak on behalf of those who can’t or are in situations that could jeopardize their work or family situations.Recently, I took part in a congressional briefing on telemedicine in Washington, D.C. As part of the panel, my comments focused on the need for Medicare and Medicare Advantage to expand services through telemedicine (and access to specialists across the country) in order to provide high-quality medical care, especially among vulnerable groups that otherwise would not receive this care, which can lead to a diminished quality of life. Based on my history with PD, being able to share this on a personal basis helps to deliver the message that I seek the best care possible for all who live with PD (and are part of our community). At the state level, submitting testimony to legislative committees has also been a part of my outreach so that laws related to telemedicine can be updated to cover more people across the state who would benefit from this service.
What unexpected lessons have you learned while serving as a volunteer and through your non-profit work?
An unexpected lesson learned is that although many among our community who live with Parkinson’s may feel isolated, at almost every turn you run into someone who lives with PD, has a family member with PD, or has a friend who lives with PD. Although historically it has been considered a disease that impacts the elderly, we are seeing more and more people being diagnosed at an earlier age. So, unexpected lessons can provide us with information that can improve the education level about PD in our community.
Why is volunteerism a priority for you?
It is a priority for me because I’ve never been one to say, “let someone else figure this out or deal with these issues” that impact a person’s quality of life. I don’t like to see people struggle with a condition that I feel, through my involvement and that of many others in our area, will one day be eradicated. I often say that if I want others to help out, my commitment needs to be on the same level or higher. An example of this would include my participation on the integration panel for the Parkinson’s research program at the federal level. Providing quality input on where I feel the direction that PD research needs to be heading is rewarding in and of itself, but being in a position to recommend projects for funding truly does allow me to make a difference in the lives of those of us living with a neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. (yet).
How long has Midland been your home and why have you stayed?
I was born, raised, and educated in Midland. Except for the years that I spent in Abilene attending and graduating from McMurry University, Midland has remained my home. In my travels throughout the country and internationally in recent years, I often share that there may not be much to see here, but the people make it all worthwhile. There truly isn’t any other place like Midland.
Testimonials
"He works behind the scenes to make a difference for others"
Mr. Robledo was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2007 and is very involved in the Parkinson's community.
He serves as a patient advocate for clinical research for several nationally recognized organizations. He serves on the Michael J. Fox Foundation and was recently featured with Mr. Fox in a "CBS Sunday Morning" program that is hosted by Jane Pauley. He has written a book about his journey with Parkinson's. He has served on an international Parkinson's board and has met with senators/congressmen to encourage their support of funding for Parkinson's research.
His compassion for helping others makes him a very special person. Along with teaching and working with softball and baseball programs, he can be found on Friday nights running the chains at football games.
He has a remarkable story that brought him from despair and anguish to becoming a highly sought-after advocate. He is not the kind of person to bring attention to himself, and he works behind the scenes to make a difference for others.
He is a native Midlander and someone deserving of recognition.
Bennita Clark, friend
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"He forms a strong bond with each student with whom he works"
The Special Services Department of Midland Independent School District is especially fortunate to have Israel Robledo on our staff. In his work for MISD, Israel travels the district as a resource teacher, working with our Spanish-speaking students who have been identified with learning disabilities. He forms a strong bond with each student with whom he works, patiently discovering individual learning patterns and areas of strength, and never letting the student forget that he or she can learn ... and will learn.
Not only is he a teacher, he is an encourager — for students, their parents and for our special education teachers, as well. He shares his strategies for working with struggling readers through a series of trainings to promote the growth of students and contributes to the knowledge of others in the professional learning communities.
In his "spare" time, Israel works tirelessly in the field of Parkinson's research, reviewing articles for congressionally directed research, addressing the patient view for various national and overseas research groups, and working with the Michael J Fox Foundation. His work in the efficacy of various treatments has led to a recent group interview by Jane Pauley for "CBS Sunday Morning," publication in a variety of scientific magazines, publication of his book "The Day I Found Out Why," and multiple meetings with internationally renowned individuals — including a Nobel Prize winner.
He serves on the MJF Patient Council, the Executive Council of the Parkinson's Movement (an initiative of the Cure Parkinson's Trust in England), the integration panel for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, and as an ambassador for Texas on the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
This gifted and caring individual is a great example of a Midland teacher giving back to his community and enriching the lives of others.
Dawn Miller, executive director, Special Services for Midland ISD
http://www.mrt.com/lifestyles/52faces/article/52-Faces-Israel-Robledo-Parkinson-s-disease-12404042.php#photo-14648045
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