Neil Diamond fans have donated the cost of their refunded tickets to Parkinson’s research, after the singer announced he would stop touring because of a diagnosis of the neurodegenerative disease.
Mr. Diamond, 77, announced Monday that his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has made travel and performing difficult and would curtail his 50th anniversary tour.
Ticket holders in Australia and New Zealand, the third leg of Mr. Diamond’s 50th anniversary tour, were given full refunds for the canceled performances.
The singer’s wife, Katie Diamond, wrote on Twitter that she had received a “bunch of messages” of fans who donated their ticket refunds to Parkinson’s research, animal rescue groups, fire victim funds and other causes, Billboard reported.
“My heart is so full of joy to see this silver lining. Faith in humanity = restored. Thank you!” Mrs. Diamond tweeted.
Wow, I’ve received a bunch of messages from people in Aus & NZ who are donating their ticket refunds to good causes: Parkinson’s research, animal rescue groups, fire victim funds, etc. My heart is so full of joy to see this silver lining. Faith in humanity = restored. Thank you!
— Katie Diamond (@KatieMcDiamond) January 23, 2018
The iconic singer also expressed his gratitude on social media, tweeting “Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. It makes a difference.”
This makes me smile. Thank you. Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. It makes a difference. https://t.co/TLZAa69q1B
— Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) January 23, 2018
Parkinson’s is a disease of the central nervous system that, over time, affects a person’s ability to control their movements, with tremors, slowing of movements, limb rigidity and gait and balance problems.
It has a number of lifestyle implications, hindering a person’s ability to take care of themselves, causing thinking difficulties, depression, sleep issues, and other problems.
There is no cure for the disease, but treatment and medications can help manage symptoms.
• Laura Kelly can be reached at lkelly@washingtontimes.com.
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