Sports Commission Creates Partnership with Grand Canyon State Games
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Regional Sports Commission has announced its merger with the Grand Canyon State Games, including its National Native American Games division, to strengthen the work both organizations do in the local and state-wide community. Under the direction of the Sports Commission, these organizations will operate independently with a shared board of directors led by Board Chairman Garry Hays.
“The Grand Canyon State Games has a rich history in Arizona of providing amateur athletes with quality athletic play and competition regardless of the athletes ability,” said Phoenix Regional Sports Commission Interim President Rob Yowell. “The Sports Commission is proud to help lead the Games into the future.”
“At their cores, both organizations are in the business of economic development and we accomplish this through a sports tourism platform,” said Phoenix Regional Sports Commission past Board Chairman Don Kile. “As competition for sponsorship and financial support heats up in the non-profit world, organizations like Grand Canyon State Games are often over-looked in favor of health, safety and education related organizations. The Grand Canyon State Games is a treasure in our community and this alliance will allow us to add value to, and impact upon, our community. The impact will not only be evident on the field of competition and our community’s quality of life, but within our economic development and grassroots sports tourism communities.”
“We look forward to working with the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission and the extraordinary leadership there to continue the longstanding success of the Grand Canyon State Games and the Native American Games,” said Grand Canyon State Games Executive Director Erik Widmark. “When two work together, both are strong.”
The merger of these two organizations will provide for efficient use of shared resources and event scheduling. The Sport’s Commission’s High School Sports Division will pair its Showcase Series of events with the Grand Canyon State Games in Olympic format events such as swimming, track and field, volleyball, softball, and others. The first cooperative events are scheduled for early 2014 and will draw thousands of elite high school athletes from across the country to compete as the feature showcase during the Games competition that includes amateur athletes ranging in age from two to 99.
About the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission was created in 1988. The mission of the Sports Commission is to “Enrich Our Community Through Sports" by representing the citizens of the Valley to bring national and international sporting events to the state, assist in the promotion of existing events and teams, and support youth sports programs. To learn more about the Sports Commission, please visit www.phoenixsports.org.
About the Grand Canyon State Games
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Grand Canyon State Games is Arizona’s Amateur Olympics. In celebrating our 20th Anniversary year, the mission remains solid in showcasing the talents and aspirations of Arizona’s and America’s amateur athletes regardless of age or ability. Approximately 25,000 participants compete annually and over 450,000 athletes have competed to date since our inception in our year-round format which offers over 100 sporting events and the nation’s largest Art and Essay Contests. The tradition of excellence continues in the nationwide prestigious Lori Piestewa National Native American Games event. The vision remains strong in our motto to Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
"Being the Best I Can Be"
As our Essay Contest approaches we remember Spencer Becker's Gold Medal winning essay from 1996.
~Wid
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
"I want you to sleep in your garage tonight"
I want you to sleep in your garage tonight. But before you go to sleep, I want you to look at your car and imagine that when you wake up it will be your dream car.
Good Morning! My guess is that it is the same car... Point being, we are who we are and we do what we do!
I said on Sunday that when the replacement ref's either determine the outcome of a game or someone gets severely hurt, enough is enough. The President of the United States even tweeted his opinion regarding Monday Night! For the integrity of the game, the players, the owners, the fans, the coaches, and the refs, let's get it figured out!
~Wid
Good Morning! My guess is that it is the same car... Point being, we are who we are and we do what we do!
I said on Sunday that when the replacement ref's either determine the outcome of a game or someone gets severely hurt, enough is enough. The President of the United States even tweeted his opinion regarding Monday Night! For the integrity of the game, the players, the owners, the fans, the coaches, and the refs, let's get it figured out!
~Wid
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
It's a Family Affair
Outside the huddle: Arizona Cardinals guard Adam Snyder offers details of his marriage proposal, scorpion hunting
by Bob McManaman - Sept. 11, 2012 08:15 PM
azcentral sports
Today: Adam Snyder, right guard.
Question: I understand you married Erik Widmark's daughter, Erika. We know Erik from the years he worked in the Cardinals organization as a pro personnel guy, a scout and other job titles. How'd you meet Erika?
Answer: We met in college. She played volleyball at Oregon, and we met my redshirt freshman year. We've been together ever since.
Q: You know, Erik used to be the "turk" in training camp, the guy assigned to go collect playbooks from the guys who got cut. Were you aware of that?
A: (Laughs) Yeah, I think I've heard that. But I think knowing him has actually helped my career. He knows a lot of people.
Q: How'd you propose to your wife?
A: I proposed at a lake house in Idaho. I sent her to go get dinner and I went out to the dock and lined it with tiki torches and made a big heart out of rose petals with some candles. I really tried to do it up.
Q: OK, wait. We've got teammates listening in on this. Maybe we should move on, what do you think?
A: No, I'm OK with it. The guys can tease me if they want, but it worked, so I'm happy about it.
Q: I see you studied journalism and public relations in college. Why?
A: I really like to write, so I thought getting into journalism would be the best, but it worked out that PR was the best option.
Q: So I can't help but notice you linemen have a little, tiny stereo you listen to on this side of the locker room and the defensive linemen have this massive stereo right over there that looks like a car. What's up with that?
A: Yeah, (Darnell) Dockett's got that huge thing over there and hey, look, he wins. It's enormous. But when it's just the O-linemen sitting here, we'll play the tunes. Usually, it's '80s music. Huey Lewis and the News and that kind of stuff.
Q: Hmm. OK then. What's your favorite artist or band?
A: I'm more of a genre guy. I like punk rock.
Q: Nice. My colleague, Kent Somers, mentioned that he saw you and Daryn Colledge riding in a glass elevator during the preseason trip to Tennessee. He said you looked deathly afraid. Got a fear of heights or something?
A: (Laughs) Things like roller coasters, I've got no problem with. Airplanes are fine. But when I'm like standing on an edge looking over, it freaks me out. I just don't want to be around it. The Grand Canyon is my biggest fear.
Q: I can relate to that. So do you have any other issues, other than that? I mean, anything else that totally freaks you out?
A: I'm not a huge fan of scorpions. I've had some of them around my house.
Q: What do you do about them?
A: I have a golf club and a black light and try to go out and hunt them down.
Q: Any in the house yet?
A: No, thank goodness.
Q: Well, don't you think you ought to knock on wood?
A: (Knocks on his locker, which is made of wood) Thanks.
Q: Dockett has a dislike for anything 49ers. Since you came from there as a free agent, were you concerned about having any problems with him?
A: We've had some battles, man. I think I've played him 14 times. I was a little nervous to see how it would go, how he'd react and how I'd react. But it was great. We shook hands and eventually began to have conversations. We talk about stuff that's going on, and he's made me a better player, having to go against him every day in practice.
Q: Every player has injuries, and I hate to even talk about it during the season, but what's the longest needle you've ever had to endure to get you through the pain?
A: I've been fortunate enough to -- again, knock on wood -- not have any serious issues. So it was just a normal syringe when I've needed something small done.
Q: OK, last one. I always ask for a guy to name one teammate he thinks is going to have a breakout-type game. Who's the one you think will come up huge this Sunday at New England?
A: I'll say Michael Floyd. He's ready. He doesn't have a reception yet in a regular-season game, but I've been watching him, and I think he's going to be the guy.
by Bob McManaman - Sept. 11, 2012 08:15 PM
azcentral sports
Question: I understand you married Erik Widmark's daughter, Erika. We know Erik from the years he worked in the Cardinals organization as a pro personnel guy, a scout and other job titles. How'd you meet Erika?
Answer: We met in college. She played volleyball at Oregon, and we met my redshirt freshman year. We've been together ever since.
Q: You know, Erik used to be the "turk" in training camp, the guy assigned to go collect playbooks from the guys who got cut. Were you aware of that?
A: (Laughs) Yeah, I think I've heard that. But I think knowing him has actually helped my career. He knows a lot of people.
Q: How'd you propose to your wife?
A: I proposed at a lake house in Idaho. I sent her to go get dinner and I went out to the dock and lined it with tiki torches and made a big heart out of rose petals with some candles. I really tried to do it up.
Q: OK, wait. We've got teammates listening in on this. Maybe we should move on, what do you think?
A: No, I'm OK with it. The guys can tease me if they want, but it worked, so I'm happy about it.
Q: I see you studied journalism and public relations in college. Why?
A: I really like to write, so I thought getting into journalism would be the best, but it worked out that PR was the best option.
Q: So I can't help but notice you linemen have a little, tiny stereo you listen to on this side of the locker room and the defensive linemen have this massive stereo right over there that looks like a car. What's up with that?
A: Yeah, (Darnell) Dockett's got that huge thing over there and hey, look, he wins. It's enormous. But when it's just the O-linemen sitting here, we'll play the tunes. Usually, it's '80s music. Huey Lewis and the News and that kind of stuff.
Q: Hmm. OK then. What's your favorite artist or band?
A: I'm more of a genre guy. I like punk rock.
Q: Nice. My colleague, Kent Somers, mentioned that he saw you and Daryn Colledge riding in a glass elevator during the preseason trip to Tennessee. He said you looked deathly afraid. Got a fear of heights or something?
A: (Laughs) Things like roller coasters, I've got no problem with. Airplanes are fine. But when I'm like standing on an edge looking over, it freaks me out. I just don't want to be around it. The Grand Canyon is my biggest fear.
Q: I can relate to that. So do you have any other issues, other than that? I mean, anything else that totally freaks you out?
A: I'm not a huge fan of scorpions. I've had some of them around my house.
Q: What do you do about them?
A: I have a golf club and a black light and try to go out and hunt them down.
Q: Any in the house yet?
A: No, thank goodness.
Q: Well, don't you think you ought to knock on wood?
A: (Knocks on his locker, which is made of wood) Thanks.
Q: Dockett has a dislike for anything 49ers. Since you came from there as a free agent, were you concerned about having any problems with him?
A: We've had some battles, man. I think I've played him 14 times. I was a little nervous to see how it would go, how he'd react and how I'd react. But it was great. We shook hands and eventually began to have conversations. We talk about stuff that's going on, and he's made me a better player, having to go against him every day in practice.
Q: Every player has injuries, and I hate to even talk about it during the season, but what's the longest needle you've ever had to endure to get you through the pain?
A: I've been fortunate enough to -- again, knock on wood -- not have any serious issues. So it was just a normal syringe when I've needed something small done.
Q: OK, last one. I always ask for a guy to name one teammate he thinks is going to have a breakout-type game. Who's the one you think will come up huge this Sunday at New England?
A: I'll say Michael Floyd. He's ready. He doesn't have a reception yet in a regular-season game, but I've been watching him, and I think he's going to be the guy.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
"The Golden Years"
I'm not so sure! Now that I'm 65 my life is dominated by :
1. Information about Medicare benefits.
2.Long term health care insurance.
3.Assisted living opportunities.
4.Choosing a cemetery plot.
5.Deals on prescription drugs.
6. Explaining to my grandchildren why Pa Pa doesn't have any hair on the top of his head.
7. And what's that hitch in your get-along.
8.Making sure there is plenty of fiber in my diet.
You get the idea!
Golden?
I'm not so sure....
Wid
1. Information about Medicare benefits.
2.Long term health care insurance.
3.Assisted living opportunities.
4.Choosing a cemetery plot.
5.Deals on prescription drugs.
6. Explaining to my grandchildren why Pa Pa doesn't have any hair on the top of his head.
7. And what's that hitch in your get-along.
8.Making sure there is plenty of fiber in my diet.
You get the idea!
Golden?
I'm not so sure....
Wid
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
From Our First Ever Essay Contest Gold Medalist (18 years ago)
Hello Erik!
Spenser Becker here! Talk about a blast from the past right? (hopefully you remember me) I still think about those essay contest days lol! :) I have been meaning to write to you for a few months now after seeing your article in the paper. How is your health doing? Its good to see your still kicking.
I am very happy for you! :) I also wanted to write to you because I wanted to get back to being involved with GCSG but the disabled community in general. After many years of health problems, getting through high school & the majority of college I am definitely looking forward to independence & starting my own life. As a side not to that I am attending ASU Tempe campus & in fact live within the area. I will be finishing my major in "BIS"
(Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies) with two focuses in "Communication"
(which originally was my major) & "Nutrition, Exercise/Wellness". I am hopefully going to be finished & graduated by the end of Spring 2013 at the earliest (if not Fall). I am also curious to know if GCSG does internships by any chance? Looking to hearing from you and to be getting involved again after so long. Again, glad to here your doing well. Talk soon! Thanks Erik!
:)
Kind Regards,
Spenser Becker
~Wid
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
”Perseverance is omnipotent!”
TRANSACTIONS
By The Numbers
Lori Piestewa National Native American Games Sports
Baseball 11 Teams Basketball 132 Teams
Cross Country 62 athletes Softball 31 Teams
Volleyball 29 Teams Wrestling 42 Athletes
COMMENTS
It was a record breaking weekend! As you can see from the “By The Numbers” sport count our athlete total is up to an all time high of 2,954 participants. A special thank you to reporter Sarah Eberspacher for writing a great article in the Monday Arizona Republic. Click here to view it: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/2012/07/21/20120721lori-piestewa-games-continue-grow.html
~Wid
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Record Breaking Numbers to Mark 11th Annual Lori Piestewa National Native American Games
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Erik C. Widmark, Executive Director
(480) 517-9700
The dates are set, the venues are ready, and the call is out to all athletes nationwide ready to compete in the 11th Annual Lori Piestewa National Native American Games, the nations largest Native American sports festival of its kind. The six sport festival will be held July 20th - 22nd at the Fort Mc Dowell, Salt River, and Fountain Hills communities. With pre- registration running ahead in all remaining 6 sports, the Games are poised to set record marks for participation.. (i.e. Basketball has easily surpassed 100 teams).
Registration is still OPEN as of today for all sports. The process to sign up is simple. Go online to www.gcsg.org and either download the entry form, fill it out and fax it to the Grand Canyon State Games office at 480-517-9739 or you can register online at our site with a credit card. Team Sport deadline specifics are available on our website at www.gcsg.org. Track and Field and Cross Country take onsite registrations at their venues in addition to the online capabilities this week. Sign up TODAY! Call the office if you have any questions at 480-517-9700.
Whether your sport is Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Softball, Track & Field, or Volleyball, if you are 1/4 Native American there is a chance for you to compete and bring home a medal in this years event. For more information on the venues and sport details please visit the Games website at www.gcsg.org.
The Grand Canyon State Games is Arizona's Amateur Olympics. In celebrating our 20th Anniversary year, the mission remains solid in showcasing the talents and aspirations of Arizona's and America's amateur athletes regardless of age or ability. Approximately 30,000 participants compete annually and over 443,000 athletes have competed to date since our inception in our year-round format which offers over 100 sporting events and the nation's largest Art and Essay Contests. The vision remains strong in our motto to Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy! ###
Contact: Erik C. Widmark, Executive Director
(480) 517-9700
Record Breaking Numbers to Mark 11th Annual
Lori Piestewa National Native American Games
Are You Registered Yet?
The dates are set, the venues are ready, and the call is out to all athletes nationwide ready to compete in the 11th Annual Lori Piestewa National Native American Games, the nations largest Native American sports festival of its kind. The six sport festival will be held July 20th - 22nd at the Fort Mc Dowell, Salt River, and Fountain Hills communities. With pre- registration running ahead in all remaining 6 sports, the Games are poised to set record marks for participation.. (i.e. Basketball has easily surpassed 100 teams).
Registration is still OPEN as of today for all sports. The process to sign up is simple. Go online to www.gcsg.org and either download the entry form, fill it out and fax it to the Grand Canyon State Games office at 480-517-9739 or you can register online at our site with a credit card. Team Sport deadline specifics are available on our website at www.gcsg.org. Track and Field and Cross Country take onsite registrations at their venues in addition to the online capabilities this week. Sign up TODAY! Call the office if you have any questions at 480-517-9700.
Whether your sport is Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Softball, Track & Field, or Volleyball, if you are 1/4 Native American there is a chance for you to compete and bring home a medal in this years event. For more information on the venues and sport details please visit the Games website at www.gcsg.org.
The Grand Canyon State Games is Arizona's Amateur Olympics. In celebrating our 20th Anniversary year, the mission remains solid in showcasing the talents and aspirations of Arizona's and America's amateur athletes regardless of age or ability. Approximately 30,000 participants compete annually and over 443,000 athletes have competed to date since our inception in our year-round format which offers over 100 sporting events and the nation's largest Art and Essay Contests. The vision remains strong in our motto to Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy! ###
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
"With your heart, or with your mind!?"
Just a quick thought on the Steve Nash trade. As a person that deals with decisions everyday all day, I can not imagine how tough this call was! Heart vs mind--------personal vs business.
My guess is both arguments could have had strong ground to stand on. Justification in my dealings has often been a strong criteria.But "with your heart ,or with your mind" always lurks!
~Wid
My guess is both arguments could have had strong ground to stand on. Justification in my dealings has often been a strong criteria.But "with your heart ,or with your mind" always lurks!
~Wid
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
"Can't Thank You Enough, But We Can Try!"
A plaque designed specially for Todd Wilson, General Manager of the DoubleTree, and his team for a terrific job with the 20th Birthday Celebration.
Thank you again!
~Wid
~Wid
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
"36 and counting!"
I just celebrated my 36th wedding aniversary! Thank you my Cinda for putting up with me all these years!
Wid
Monday, May 21, 2012
"BDRAKE"!!
My 17 month old grandson Drake Widmark fell and broke his femor!
Wow ! Cinda and I just got off an airplaane from a visit to Anacortes,Wa.,
to see son Dallas,Em, and there 3 kids (Daisy, Drake and two week old Joey) when we learned the troublesome news.
Poor BDRAKE! Such a sweet little boy! Of corse the entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers. The first thought was to turn around and go back up! We'll anxiously keep tabs.
Love
G'pa
Monday, April 30, 2012
"Switching Tracks"
After a successful 2012 Winter Games featuring 9,832 participants we are now “Switching Tracks” and focusing our attention on the 2012 SUMMER GAMES!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
"Thank you Ruthie!"
In the 1700's we fought with Washington to be free
And more great leaders in the 19th and 20th century
Like Jefferson, Jackson and Lincoln to name a few
And Grant, two Roosevelts and Truman too.
(We've had a few duds--you all know who.)
Now we're in the 21st century and heroes are harder to find.
But there's one among us that I have in mind.
He encourages everyone to have an active part
As he promotes all sports, education and art.
He inspires us to volunteer our time and our heart.
Everyone calls him "Wid"--his name is Erik Widmark!
Ruthann Lundering
Wid
And more great leaders in the 19th and 20th century
Like Jefferson, Jackson and Lincoln to name a few
And Grant, two Roosevelts and Truman too.
(We've had a few duds--you all know who.)
Now we're in the 21st century and heroes are harder to find.
But there's one among us that I have in mind.
He encourages everyone to have an active part
As he promotes all sports, education and art.
He inspires us to volunteer our time and our heart.
Everyone calls him "Wid"--his name is Erik Widmark!
Ruthann Lundering
Wid
Thursday, April 12, 2012
"Game On"
I am excited that my best friend Dante Scarnecchia, the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach of the New England Patriots, has accepted to be a Celebrity Roaster/Toaster at the Games Reunion. Let's see what you got Dante...
~Wid
~Wid
Monday, April 2, 2012
Cardinal Offensive lineman agrees to be Celebrity Roaster / Toaster
It may get a little rough…
but it promises to be lots of fun!
With Celebrity Roasters like Adam Snyder,
the new offensive lineman
for the ARIZONA CARDINALS
the Roast / Toast of Wid
at the Games Reunion
will be a night to remember.
Be sure to reserve your seats today!
Click here to register: http://gcsg.org/events/reunion/index.php
~Wid
but it promises to be lots of fun!
With Celebrity Roasters like Adam Snyder,
the new offensive lineman
for the ARIZONA CARDINALS
the Roast / Toast of Wid
at the Games Reunion
will be a night to remember.
Be sure to reserve your seats today!
Click here to register: http://gcsg.org/events/reunion/index.php
~Wid
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Want to come to a party?
Get ready to have some FUN with Mogollon performing as the entertainment at our 20th Birthday Party.
Click here to register: http://gcsg.org/events/reunion/index.php
~Wid
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
"Free Agency !"
Adam,my man, you are now officially a free agent! The 49ers can still be an option ,but you are free to " shop".
Best of luck! Enjoy the moment----I'm sure it seems a little overwhelming
but things have a way of working themselves out!
You've earned it!
Wid
Best of luck! Enjoy the moment----I'm sure it seems a little overwhelming
but things have a way of working themselves out!
You've earned it!
Wid
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"Peyton Manning!"
This topic reminds me of an old adage that I always try to rememmber....."change is enevatable" so you neeed to anticipate it when you can so as you can adjust!
Wid
Wid
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
"Sad goodbye."
My son and his family are moving! Dallas will be the GM at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge in Washington! This was a career opportunity he could not pass up!Will miss them deeply as we've grown so fond of Emily,Daisy,and Drake. Sometimes you don't know how lucky you are until you don't have it!
Wid
Wid
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Happy Birthday Arizona!
A very special Thank You to Raphael Bear for initiating the start of requesting that the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games become an Official Centennial Event of the State of Arizona. As an official event, we were able to have a booth at the statehood Expo at the Capitol celebrating Arizona’s 100th year. Below are some pictures of the booth. Thank you to Pat Bell-Demers for putting together a great visual and informative booth.
Raphael Bear
Board
Arizona American Indian Tourism Association
~Wid
Raphael Bear
Board
Arizona American Indian Tourism Association
~Wid
Friday, February 10, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
"Congratulations!"
Yesterday my son Dallas was named acting Director (GM) of the Wildhorse Pass Resort and Casino! I am very happy for him!
~Wid
~Wid
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thank You Scott Bordow for sharing my story
Grand Canyon State Games chief
Erik Widmark battling Parkinson's
The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com
by Scott Bordow - Jan. 21, 2012
As the cars drove by his Ahwatukee home, Erik Widmark lay prone on the driveway.
He had fallen -- again. How many times had it happened before? He didn't have to guess. He knew. Thirty times in 34 months. He had lived with the hand tremors and the muscle contractions, but this, this was too much. He couldn't keep his balance. Soon, he was certain, he'd fall and break something, an arm or a hip, perhaps.
Before he got to his feet, he had made the decision.
"I can't do this anymore," he said to himself. "I have to try to change the quality of my life."
Four months later, the tremors are gone. So are the muscle contractions, called dystonia. Widmark, the executive director of the Grand Canyon State Games, walks slowly, but with certainty.
He has Parkinson's disease -- a progressive disorder of the nervous system -- but he has his life back. In explaining how it happened, he unzips his San Francisco 49ers jacket -- his son-in-law, Adam Snyder, is an offensive lineman with the team -- and pulls down his shirt to reveal a purplish scar above his heart. He then grabs what looks like a cellphone and places it next to the scar.
The device beeps once.
"My voltage is OK," Widmark says.
Then he smiles.
"I'm the bionic man."
The surgery is called deep-brain stimulation, but Widmark's story began 17 years ago when he was signing checks and noticed that his right hand was shaking. Soon he began losing in racquetball, and he never lost in racquetball.
"I didn't like that," Widmark said. "I couldn't understand why. I wasn't that old. Then I started falling down on the court and taking some pretty severe bumps."
Widmark didn't get an immediate diagnosis. He was a tough guy, a former NFL receiver and coach and front-office executive with the Cardinals. He figured he'd just outlast whatever was happening to his body.
But the symptoms kept getting worse. After three years, Widmark went to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, where doctors informed him he had Parkinson's.
"I was told I was in a battle I couldn't win," he said. "That was a little rough."
Widmark, 63, didn't keep the disease from his family. They had to know. But he didn't tell anyone else. For 11 years, even as the symptoms worsened, he kept the diagnosis within his household. The tough guy didn't want to let anyone know he was suffering, and he didn't want anyone to think he couldn't do his job. He took his medication, stuck his hand in his pocket when it was trembling and marched on.
But the pills couldn't stop the disease's progression. The symptoms got worse, to the point that Widmark knew he couldn't hide them. Finally, at a Grand Canyon State Games event three years ago, he let everyone in on his secret.
Asked why he waited so long, Widmark's eyes moistened, and he paused for several seconds.
"I was in the closet," he said. "But when I announced it, it was the weight of the world off my shoulders. I was very relieved."
It wasn't until September, however, after he had fallen in his driveway, that Widmark took a more courageous second step: Agreeing to undergo deep-brain-stimulation surgery.
Doctors had told him for months he was a candidate, but he had resisted. The details left him cautious: He would be awake for the operation, which was scheduled to be performed in three parts over an 11-day period, and there was risk of a brain hemorrhage that could cause his death or a massive stroke.
"It's pretty daunting," said Widmark's wife, Cinda. "He thought about it for a long time. And there are some doctors not in favor of doing that. But one of the doctors at Mayo said it would change his life."
That doctor, Virgilio Evidente, is a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic. He said only 10 to 20 percent of patients with advanced Parkinson's, as was the case with Widmark, undergo the operation, even though at least 50 percent are eligible. The reason: It's extremely expensive, and some insurance companies don't cover the cost. Plus, he added, "Not everybody wants their brain to be operated on. It's pretty scary."
Evidente told Widmark the surgery wouldn't cure him. There is no cure for Parkinson's. But he said it would slow the disease.
Widmark underwent the first stage of the operation Nov.18. As he lay awake on the operating table, Evidente drilled a hole in the left side of Widmark's brain because the tremors were worse on his right side. Using brain mapping, Evidente found the part of Widmark's brain that was abnormal -- it's often called a bullseye -- placed an electrode in the coordinates and then had Widmark make several movements with his right hand until the tremors stopped.
"The body basically switches on," Evidente said.
Four days later, Evidente drilled into the right side of Widmark's brain to help control the dystonia. The third operation was supposed to take place Nov.29, but Widmark told Evidente he didn't want to have to undergo another procedure. After the bullseye was found on the right side, Evidente inserted a lead into the back of Widmark's neck that fed to the generator -- think of it as a brain pacemaker -- implanted in his chest.
Widmark's recovery was immediate and dramatic. Evidente said patients need up to six months for their condition to optimize, but Widmark is taking just one pill a day -- "I was taking every drug under the sun before," he said -- he can hold up his hand without it shaking, and his balance, although tenuous, is back.
"I'm doing things six weeks out that some people don't do for six months," Widmark said.
Widmark still has to go in twice a month for tweaking, a procedure in which doctors adjust the voltage on his generator.
"It's like a tune-up," Evidente said. "Instead of the patient being dependent on medication, this technology will keep the symptoms as if he had early Parkinson's. It turns back the clock at least 10 years."
The disease will begin to progress again in about a year, Evidente said, but slower than it had before.
Widmark knows the long-range forecast isn't good. But for now, he can take a walk, hold one of his five grandchildren and, if the 49ers beat the New York Giants in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, head to Indianapolis to see Snyder play in the Super Bowl.
"As long as the generator is still in there, and I can turn up the voltage I'm fine," he said. "I can't wait to get up every morning."
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Play Offs... You want to talk about Play Offs??!!
This past wild card weekend in the NFL reminded me of what a great unifying source sports can be. Having said this, we at the Games feel privileged to be a part of this entity we call competition.
On a personal note, I am extremely excited about going to San Francisco to watch my son in law Adam Snyder, offensive line man for the 49ers, try to derail the high flying New Orlean Saints. Adam is having a great year and our family hopes it can continue on to the Super Bowl.
Play Offs... You want to talk about Play Offs??!!
Wid
P.S. Check out this great article on Adam: http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-2/Snyder-Puts-Team-First/b77d345d-5d4f-4424-9d33-ea441aa91b43
On a personal note, I am extremely excited about going to San Francisco to watch my son in law Adam Snyder, offensive line man for the 49ers, try to derail the high flying New Orlean Saints. Adam is having a great year and our family hopes it can continue on to the Super Bowl.
Play Offs... You want to talk about Play Offs??!!
Wid
P.S. Check out this great article on Adam: http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-2/Snyder-Puts-Team-First/b77d345d-5d4f-4424-9d33-ea441aa91b43
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