Former coach faces surgery for Parkinson's
EUGENE, Ore. -- He's the father of two daughters, a loving husband, and was a school counselor and basketball coach at Churchill High School for 20 years.
Now he faces a risky surgery in an effort to recover some of what has been taken from him.
Ten years ago, 59-year-old Kevin Watts got the diagnosis that changed his life: Parkinson's disease.
Forced to retire from teaching as the disease progressed, Watts now can't control his movements.
"That's kind of tough to live with sometimes," he said, "when you see little kids that are afraid of you because of the fact that you're moving."
Signs of the disease first appeared on the sidelines. Watts would notice his foot tapping or hands moving -- and couldn't make them stop.
Watts says the Parkinson's has been especially hard on his daughters, who are now all grown up.
"That's important they live their lives and do the things they need to do and not worry about their dad," he said.ee little kids that are afraid of you because of the fact that you're moving."
After careful consideration, Watts decided to have what's called "deep brain stimulation" surgery. Wires are placed in the brain, and a pacesetter in the chest. A generator then sends electrical pulses to the brain, which help lessen symptoms.
Some risks involved, but Watts feels the benefits outweigh the risks.
"Hopefully if it all works out, I'll have some control I don't have right now," he said. "I would like to ride my bicycle again. That would be fun! And go somewhere with my family where they don't have to worry about me every step of the way."
