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"It is a waste of time to be angry about my disability. One has to get on with life and I haven't done badly. People won't have time for you if you are always angry or complaining."

Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

James Baldwin, American novelist, writer, playwright, poet, essayist and civil rights activist.

An estimated 10 million Americans have essential tremor. ET is not confined to the elderly. Children and middle-aged people can also have ET. No matter the age, people with ET lead active lives. They use their intellect, gifts, innate talent, and cultivated interests to make the most of their life. The IETF shares the story of people with ET in the community.

Young Ryan Brown
Ryan Brown's school, Sherman Oaks, held a walk-a-thon on May 26, 2011. The school was raising money for the American Cancer Society for the third year in a row. "As important a health concern as cancer is, Ryan didn't have a personal connection to it," says his mother Angela. "So together we decided to raise money for something important to him - essential tremor."

Ryan was diagnosed with essential tremor (ET) right after his fourth birthday. He began having tremor in his right hand at the age of two.
http://www.essentialtremor.org/young-ryan-brown

Dr. Vincent J. DePinto
When I was about 50 years old I began to notice a slight tremor in my movements with my right hand. At first I think it was only noticeable to me as it was very fine. Being a proud surgeon, I was very sensitive to having a steady hand. At first I thought the tremor was just part of getting older, but as time went by it became more pronounced. Read more.

ET and the Arts

Many people with essential tremor still find ways for expression through creative acts. Many artists, musicians, and creative individuals have found ways to accept the challenges of essential tremor and still demonstrate their talents. Read more.

Jessica Obrist - Roller Derby Athlete, Actress, Advertising Professional

Stereotypes shape the way we think about people and situations. People with ET are often stereotyped as being nervous, withdrawn, anxious, and elderly. But Jessica Obrist, 28, of Seattle, WA, is proof positive that stereotypes are made to be refuted. Read more.

John Gijsen - Airline Pilot
When 20-year airline pilot John Gijsen encounters new first officers during pre-flight crew meetings, he�s often asked the same question. �Hey, what�s shakin�?� Read more.

Kate Larsen - Horse Trainer, Riding Instructor

After college with a degree in equine studies and communication, Kate moved from her childhood home in Connecticut to Virginia for a job and a boyfriend. Equine studies, she explains, is the study of horse anatomy, physiology, and everything else there is to know about horses. Read more.

Rich Grieb - Special Education Instructor

Rich Grieb, 44, was in his early 30s when his right hand began to shake, but the tremor was so subtle when pouring water from a pitcher, writing or doing something requiring fine motor skills that he only gave it casual notice. In fact, Rich says he dealt with it by ignoring it, because he was afraid that he had Parkinson�s disease. Read more.

Robin Hetro - Standup Comedian

Comedy, according to Robin Hetro, has power. �In our politically correct world, the comedy stage is still a place for free speech and free expression,� explains Robin. �Even in medieval times, it was only the jester who could speak the truth to the king . . . and live.�

Robin should know. She plays the jester and speaks the truth many nights a week as a stand-up comic in the west-central Florida area. Read more.

Stephen Remillard - Personal Trainer, Marathon Runner

One day while working as a personal trainer in a gym in Appleton, WI, an older gentleman approached Stephen Remillard, 25, asking if he had any suggestions for an exercise program to combat a condition he was recently diagnosed with - ET. Read more.

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