I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall


Famous Hollywood figures easily draw attention and provide a human face to diseases and we should be grateful for their courage. In a recent primetime interview, we have seen Katie Couric and Michael J. Fox dissect the effects Parkinson’s Disease [PD].

Muhammad Ali, the world's most legendary boxer and my absolute favorite athlete, lent his support to daughter Rasheda Ali in the publication of her children's book, "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease." The title reveals its poignancy.

Neurological diseases affect the patient, family, and friends. Children that are thrown into such an unfamiliar and cold atmosphere have difficulty in coping with the disease, as do many adults.

Rasheda Ali explains PD to children by writing through a child’s perspective. The large warm colorful drawings provide a comfortable atmosphere when reading the book to children, making them more receptive and at ease to ask questions. The book also provides questions to ask children and facts about symptoms, such as sleep disorders and the inability to display facial expressions.

In the forward, The Great Muhammad Ali states that he has had PD for over two decades. Since he has found it difficult to talk to his grandchildren about his condition, he is proud to lend his own voice in Rasheda’s book.











“I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall” is a comforting and child friendly book to read and help open the discussion of PD with your own children and grandchildren.