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Charlotte native all smiles following treatment by Cindy Abole Public Relations Charlotte native William “Bill” Walters is smiling a lot these days.  For the first time in years, he’s running and playing with his energetic five-year-old son, Walt. It’s a joy this father has never known since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For almost a decade, Walters lived with the telltale symptoms that accompany Parkinson’s—the tremors, rigidity and slowness in movement. Simple tasks like cutting food, buttoning a shirt and tying shoelaces became an extraordinary challenge. He eventually relied more on his wife, Vicki, in helping with many of his personal and daily activities.  An auto mechanic by trade, Walters eventually lost his job as the disease progressed, affecting his motor skills and work. The tremor in his fingers and hand became so uncontrollable that he couldn’t hold tools or turn small screws and bolts.  He was finally diagnosed with the disease and referred to neurologist Ken Bergmann, M.D., for care. After Walters' medications were no longer effective, Bergmann and MUSC neurosurgeon Steve Takacs, M.D., together discussed the effects of deep brain stimulation therapy as a method to control his tremors and other symptoms of the disease. The surgery was successfully performed at MUSC on Jan. 4.  “My whole life feels changed,” said Walters, his lips and whiskers curling in a wide smile. “For what my family and I went through, we know there is something greater watching over us. I don’t take things for granted anymore.”  After returning home a week after the procedure, even young Walt noticed an immediate change with his father. Gone was his rigidness and slow, shuffling steps. “Daddy walks just like we do,” he proclaimed to his mother.  Asked if he made the right decision about submitting to the surgical procedure therapy, Walters acknowledges that he really had no choice.  “Everything fell into place for me,” Walters said. “God led me down a certain road—a road my heart knew that we were going the right way.” “We're so grateful to Drs. Bergmann and Tackas for their kindness and patience,” said Walters. “For us establishing that level of trust was half the battle in dealing with this disease. We're especially thankful to the staff of 7E for providing their utmost level of care during my recovery.”