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Saving Milly: Love, Politics, and Parkinson's Disease
Morton Kondracke never intended to wed Millicent Martinez, but the fiery daughter of a radical labor organizer eventually captured his heart. They married, raised two daughters, and loved and fought passionately for twenty years. Then, in 1987, Milly noticed a glitch in her handwriting, a small tremor that would lead to the shattering diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Saving Milly is Kondracke’s powerfully moving chronicle of his vital and volatile marriage, one that has endured and deepened in the face of tragedy; it also follows his own transformation from careerist to caregiver and activist, a man who will “fight all the way, without pause or rest, to ‘save’ his beloved Milly.” *
(* Linda Bowles, The Washington Times )
(* Linda Bowles, The Washington Times )
229 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2001
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195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 16, 2008
This country has an aversion to sickness and death, two things that will in time touch each and every one of us. Not a pleasant thought.
For 18 years I watched my own mother combat, with no hope of winning, the same illness Milly is fighting. Morton Kondracke is to be commended for sharing Milly's story. Heart wrenching, Saving Milly is by no means an easy read, but it is a must read. It is more than a story about Parkinson's disease. It's also a story about love and commitment and, yes, obligation, but also of politics. And all of it will open your eyes as well as your heart.
Kondracke doesn't sugar coat Parkinson's, he displays it in all of its vulgarity. Nor does he paint himself a saint in being Milly's primary caregiver. He gets angry with her, loses his temper, shouts at her. But it's not really Milly he is angry with. It's the Parkinson's. Yet how does one vent one's rage at a disease?
He also writes of the politics of Parkinson's, how, unlike cancer and AIDS, research for this debilitating disease is under funded. Kondracke shares his story with a journalistic detachment, but even so the reader will find him or herself moved by his plight and the plight of Milly. His message is simple: a cure for Parkinson's has been agonizingly near for a long time, but money is needed now. He knows that were a cure discovered tomorrow it would be too late to help Milly, but his fight goes on so that others might be saved from suffering her fate.
My hat is off to Morton Kondracke for sharing this side of his life, a side that one day most of us will experience firsthand, but also one which too many don't wish to glimpse, preferring instead to pretend it won't ever happen to them.
For 18 years I watched my own mother combat, with no hope of winning, the same illness Milly is fighting. Morton Kondracke is to be commended for sharing Milly's story. Heart wrenching, Saving Milly is by no means an easy read, but it is a must read. It is more than a story about Parkinson's disease. It's also a story about love and commitment and, yes, obligation, but also of politics. And all of it will open your eyes as well as your heart.
Kondracke doesn't sugar coat Parkinson's, he displays it in all of its vulgarity. Nor does he paint himself a saint in being Milly's primary caregiver. He gets angry with her, loses his temper, shouts at her. But it's not really Milly he is angry with. It's the Parkinson's. Yet how does one vent one's rage at a disease?
He also writes of the politics of Parkinson's, how, unlike cancer and AIDS, research for this debilitating disease is under funded. Kondracke shares his story with a journalistic detachment, but even so the reader will find him or herself moved by his plight and the plight of Milly. His message is simple: a cure for Parkinson's has been agonizingly near for a long time, but money is needed now. He knows that were a cure discovered tomorrow it would be too late to help Milly, but his fight goes on so that others might be saved from suffering her fate.
My hat is off to Morton Kondracke for sharing this side of his life, a side that one day most of us will experience firsthand, but also one which too many don't wish to glimpse, preferring instead to pretend it won't ever happen to them.
July 5, 2020
This book was very hard for me to read as last month my own mom passed away because of complications due to Parkinson’s disease. Milly was a fighter and she fought long and hard. There are so many similarities between Molly’s story and my mother’s. It is sad to say that a disease like Parkinson’s is still around decades after the first patient was diagnosed. The debate of funding etc is a different story which I won’t write about in my review. Milly’s husband was an amazing caregiver and he helped to fight the legislative battle for her and many who suffer or have suffered from this debilitating disease. This story shows us true love for better or for worse and what the human spirit can endure.
January 17, 2020
The book Saving Milly by Morton Kondracke is about a lady name Millicent Martinez(milly) who struggles with many things and to top in off has parkinson. Parkinson Disease is damage to the cells in the brain. Milly is married to Morton and has 2 kids. Milly noticed symptoms of parkinson and decided to ignore them until seeing a specialist and they told her she had parkinson. Milly and Morton struggled with so many things . I would rate this book a 5 start because this is a topic everyone should be aware of. I recommend this book because it is a good book and its based on a real life event.
June 14, 2009
This book provided a good perspective on the impact chronic degenerative illness has not only on the person with the illness, but also on the spouse who is the primary care provider. Also gives some good information on the politics of research funding.
October 10, 2025
My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease about four years ago. At first, we followed the conventional route prescription meds, physical therapy, and regular doctor visits. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, his condition gradually got worse. His memory declined, coordination became a challenge, and daily life was growing increasingly difficult for both of us.About a year ago, feeling like we were out of options, we decided to explore a more natural route. That’s when we came across NaturePath Herbal Clinic. To be honest, we didn’t expect much. But we were surprised within just a few months of starting their herbal program, there were noticeable improvements. His alertness sharpened, his mobility improved, and he seemed to have more strength and energy.Today, he’s more active, confident, and independent than he's been in years. It’s been a transformative journey, and I truly believe this natural approach made a real difference for him. If you or someone you care about is dealing with Parkinson’s, I’d definitely suggest taking a look at what NaturePath offers. Their website is www.naturepathherbalclinic.com
info@naturepathherbalclinic.com
September 29, 2023
The love of my life for 15 years was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 54. Symptoms were tremor in right leg, loss of handwriting ability, and soft voice. He also have difficulty rising from a seated position and have balance issues. he started out taking only Azilect, then Mirapex, and 6 months ago Sinemet. Several months ago he started falling frequently, hence the reason for Sinemet. We tried every shots available but nothing worked. In March 2023, my neurologist and I decided to go with natural treatment and was introduced to Natural Herbs Centre Ayurvedic organic Parkinson’s protocol, he had a total decline of symptoms with this treatment, the Tremor, falling frequently, stiffness, body weakness, balance issues, depression and others has subsided. Visit Natural Herbs Centre official website natural herbs centre. com. This treatment is a breakthrough for all suffering from Parkinson’s, don’t give up Hope. Keep Sharing the Awareness, herbs are truly gift from God. I can personally vouch for these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works best for you
May 7, 2018
I've had this book on my shelf for a long time. Found myself without something to read so I picked it up the other day. It was published a good 15 years ago and I'm sure that the advances in research have come a long way since then. I was hoping for more about Milly herself, this book has a lot about politics, funding & research.
December 1, 2018
This book chronicles one Family's struggle with Parkinson's disease. Morton Kondracke was known to me as a commentator and journalist. His Wife and her struggle with Parkinson's was not. Recommended reading to anyone facing the illness or for the family member trying to come to grips with the circumstances.
July 26, 2018
The author's wife, a feisty political activist, social worker, developed Parkinson's Disease. Book is about her progress with the disease, his life with her, and the many emotional choices they were faced with. Basically a wonderful love story.
Author a journalist. Well written.
Author a journalist. Well written.
December 31, 2019
I learned a lot about Parkinson’s disease and about the politics that go into medical research. I didn’t find it especially heartwarming because even though the author seemed to be brutally honest, he lacked warmth and likability. I think threats just the kind of person he is.
January 22, 2020
Just as Atul Gawande's book "Being mortal" talks about priorities of a patient with terminal disease, this book on Parkinson's talks about how to help people with Parkinson's disease. If you have a loved one suffering from Parkinson's and have been a care giver, you should read this book or be inspired write one of your own.
This book is not just abot the one suffering but also about family members who suffer along with them.
This book is not just abot the one suffering but also about family members who suffer along with them.
June 15, 2024
HAPS Book Club
January 5, 2009
In order to learn more about a disease that has affected several family members, I read Saving Milly with great interest. I was quickly pulled in. Kondracke writes with honesty about a strong and vital woman, his wife, as well as what it means to be caregiver and spouse to one afflicted with Parkinson's Disease. He has much to say in praise of his Milly, while often taking an unglorious view of himself. He admits to insecurities and vanities and weaknesses few of us would admit to in public, let alone to ourselves. Most admirable, perhaps, is the love story intertwined with the story of how both Mort and Milly, each in their own way, cope with PD. In a time when so few relationships survive the minor bumps and bruises of everyday life, this one has survived a major crisis, grown even stronger for the testing. When these two married for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and with a promise of fidelity... they meant it. Wonderful.
While much of what Kondracke writes about the symptoms and treatments of Milly's disease were, in basic outlines, already known to me, I was intrigued to read his insights into the politics of a disease. I was not surprised... yet nonetheless dismayed. Money rules. Connections count. Nothing like celebrity to shine a spotlight on a particular illness. Hrmph. But so be it, this is reality. And to see it in sharper light of realistic approaches and political power can only help us play the game more effectively. None of us should be unaware of the lies we are too often fed by politicians, but all of us should hold those we vote into office accountable. In the end, it is most important to understand that causes close to our heart must be championed if they are to be cured.
Kondracke has given us a window onto a disease that has or will touch many of our lives, a disease that has gotten too little attention, especially prior to exposure gained by Michael J. Fox (who also makes an appearance in this book). It may not be the most typical experience with PD, especially in terms of the kind of care he could provide Milly because of his own celebrity and his own higher income bracket, but that is of less importance than the story of survival achieved with love, grace, compassion, and insight.
While much of what Kondracke writes about the symptoms and treatments of Milly's disease were, in basic outlines, already known to me, I was intrigued to read his insights into the politics of a disease. I was not surprised... yet nonetheless dismayed. Money rules. Connections count. Nothing like celebrity to shine a spotlight on a particular illness. Hrmph. But so be it, this is reality. And to see it in sharper light of realistic approaches and political power can only help us play the game more effectively. None of us should be unaware of the lies we are too often fed by politicians, but all of us should hold those we vote into office accountable. In the end, it is most important to understand that causes close to our heart must be championed if they are to be cured.
Kondracke has given us a window onto a disease that has or will touch many of our lives, a disease that has gotten too little attention, especially prior to exposure gained by Michael J. Fox (who also makes an appearance in this book). It may not be the most typical experience with PD, especially in terms of the kind of care he could provide Milly because of his own celebrity and his own higher income bracket, but that is of less importance than the story of survival achieved with love, grace, compassion, and insight.
August 26, 2014
I'll admit, I was dreading this book. It was a hand-me-down from a conservative mother, and the fact that it's written by someone who works for FOX News and it has "politics" in the title made me pretty wary. That said, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. In fact, it was a pretty interesting read. The politics mainly featured in this book are disease politics, the need for more funding to find a cure for neurological diseases like, in Milly's case, Parkinson's Disease. That's something on which I do agree with the author.
It's also about their relationship, and, above all, about Milly: who she was before the disease, all the people she helped, and what Parkinson's did to her. Milly seems like my kind of girl: much more caring, people oriented politics, not afraid to call Kondracke out on his shit, a do-gooder with a big heart and iron will. Of course, it's a little manipulative, obviously; it is written by her husband. He wants the reader to love her as much as he does so they can be just as angry at the story's villain, Parkinson's. And it works. It's heart-breaking and disturbing and there's definitely no sugarcoating as Milly declines and becomes steadily more trapped in her own body.
It's the kind of book that makes you laugh a little at the beginning, cry a little later on, and mostly just feel frustrated and want to do something. And that's exactly how it should make you feel.
It's also about their relationship, and, above all, about Milly: who she was before the disease, all the people she helped, and what Parkinson's did to her. Milly seems like my kind of girl: much more caring, people oriented politics, not afraid to call Kondracke out on his shit, a do-gooder with a big heart and iron will. Of course, it's a little manipulative, obviously; it is written by her husband. He wants the reader to love her as much as he does so they can be just as angry at the story's villain, Parkinson's. And it works. It's heart-breaking and disturbing and there's definitely no sugarcoating as Milly declines and becomes steadily more trapped in her own body.
It's the kind of book that makes you laugh a little at the beginning, cry a little later on, and mostly just feel frustrated and want to do something. And that's exactly how it should make you feel.
November 17, 2009
Morton Kondrake's book is about much more than his wife Milly's Parkinson's disease. It's also about their life together, their marriage, the differences that caused friction between them, Kondrake's struggles in his career and those to overcome his own weaknesses, including, for a time, alcoholism. What emerges is a story of quiet heroism, both his and Milly's, as she defies the odds and continues to prove that her will to live is greater than her despair. Kondrake also writes about the politics of research and fundraising for various diseases, and how some diseases have more cache than others, even if the disease garnering more print and air time afflicts far fewer people than other devastating ailments. This may not come as a shock to people but it is still important so that we can all do what we can to campaign to make disease research and funding more equitable.
I was most touched by Kondrake's unsparingly honest account of his own shortcomings as a man, a husband, and father, and how Milly, and eventually, her Parkinson's disease, made him grow into a far greater man than he was before. The fact that this is a true account makes this book very significant, and more moving than any fiction could be. It's impossible not to read it without tears
I was most touched by Kondrake's unsparingly honest account of his own shortcomings as a man, a husband, and father, and how Milly, and eventually, her Parkinson's disease, made him grow into a far greater man than he was before. The fact that this is a true account makes this book very significant, and more moving than any fiction could be. It's impossible not to read it without tears
November 20, 2010
An inspiring book. Obviously written by a husband very close to the disease of Parkinson's and very deeply in love with his wife, who suffers from it. The author speaks very openly about the disease, his feelings, his wife's feelings, how their life has changed and how they have dealt and are dealing with those changes. Having been spouse/caretaker for my husband as his Parkinson's has progressed, I am humbled and awed by Mr. Kondracke's unflagging devotion, and I cannot imagine remaining so if my mate were so depressed that he so often openly wished for death as Milly does. I understand Milly's frustration and unhappiness, but this book made me grateful anew for my husband's optimism and acceptance, while encouraging me to accept each day as a gift and an opportunity to give more of myself to the one I love, come what may. The insights into the various Parkinson's 'political' groups were interesting and made me thankful for those who are so dedicated to seeking a cure for PD and for the progress that is happening.
March 6, 2014
I picked up this book because my Dad had Parkinson's. Fortunately he escaped the debilitating part that Milly and Morton had to endure. I did not realize at the time what was ahead for him. He died as the result of a fall 20 years before Milly was diagnosed. I was quite young with 2 preschoolers and my husband in Viet Nam.
I wondered as I read the book what I would have done had my Dad lived and the disease progressed.
It was interesting to me to see a little how congress works and people lobby for causes. How unfair the distribution of funding was. Some people just take life as it comes, others are fighters. Morton and Milly are both fighters. What a blessing they are to those of us who benefit from their work.
He had the ability to hire people to help, an option that many caregivers do not have. Thank goodness for programs like respite care and hospice.
I was very impressed that Morton continued to take her places. To me that shows great love. It would have been so much easier to bring food, movies, etc to her
I wondered as I read the book what I would have done had my Dad lived and the disease progressed.
It was interesting to me to see a little how congress works and people lobby for causes. How unfair the distribution of funding was. Some people just take life as it comes, others are fighters. Morton and Milly are both fighters. What a blessing they are to those of us who benefit from their work.
He had the ability to hire people to help, an option that many caregivers do not have. Thank goodness for programs like respite care and hospice.
I was very impressed that Morton continued to take her places. To me that shows great love. It would have been so much easier to bring food, movies, etc to her
March 7, 2012
Highly recommended for anyone living with PD/loving someone who lives with PD.
If you've experienced the disease you know that every patient has their own highly individualized battle to face: the disease can look very different from patient to patient. Milly's course was very much like my Mom's, so I wept throughout the book. It is heartfelt and heart-breaking. Kondracke writes very frankly about coming to terms with his wife's life-changing diagnosis and the impact it has on the family.
I very much appreciate the section of the book dedicated to PD advocacy and hope that is inspires other patients and caregivers to become advocates. The particular politics covered in the book are of course out of date (it was published in 2002) but honestly the fight remains the same: we need more money for biomedical research. As Michael J. Fox has said, we've been hearing for decades that a cure is 5-10 years away--the money just hasn't been there.
If you've experienced the disease you know that every patient has their own highly individualized battle to face: the disease can look very different from patient to patient. Milly's course was very much like my Mom's, so I wept throughout the book. It is heartfelt and heart-breaking. Kondracke writes very frankly about coming to terms with his wife's life-changing diagnosis and the impact it has on the family.
I very much appreciate the section of the book dedicated to PD advocacy and hope that is inspires other patients and caregivers to become advocates. The particular politics covered in the book are of course out of date (it was published in 2002) but honestly the fight remains the same: we need more money for biomedical research. As Michael J. Fox has said, we've been hearing for decades that a cure is 5-10 years away--the money just hasn't been there.
December 11, 2013
This was a heart-wrenching story about a man's struggle as his wife succumbed to Parkinson's Disease. Once a strong, independent women who helped people with their problems as a therapist, Milly struggled to help herself with her own problems as Parkinson's Disease brought on depression and anxiety issues. The story is about Morton, Milly's husband, and their family's struggle to deal with Milly's disease as it takes over all their lives. It trumps all other troubles about alcoholism, parenting, and dyslexia. As Milly begins a new, achingly exhausting chapter of her life, the family struggles to say together as their glue is falling apart. Morton begins a self quest to campaign for more government funding for finding a cure for this disease. This is a true and touching story of his helpless fight against Parkinson's Disease for his Milly.
August 22, 2010
I wanted to read this because the author's wife, Milly, suffered from Parkinson's, and it was very interesting in that aspect. Her case was much worse than my Dad's, and she was diagnosed very young, at 48 I think. The middle of the book, about the political lobbying for PD was slow. Would have been more interesting if it were more current--it takes place from about 1995 to 2000. I'm not sure what's going on now, although they certainly haven't found a cure. I have to admit that I didn't find Milly as wonderful as everyone else seemed to, according to her husband at least. She struck me as pretty irritating before she was diagnosed with PD. Some of the political views (of Morton Kondracke, not Milly) were also annoying. In 2002 he had a show on Fox News--don't know if it's still on.
October 18, 2008
If you've ever wondered about national health care, and thought that Hillary Clinton was going to be our Savior when it comes to funding research on any disease, you'd better read this book. Kondracke, a Democrate, reveals the truth about the Clinton's attitude about their pet health issue vs funding of research in other areas. The story of Kondracke's wife Milly was interesting, insightful, and sad. I know several people who have Parkinson's and MS, and this book gave me much insight into not only what is happening inside their hearts and minds, but also empathy for the loved ones around them. I read this book in an evening, and the time was well-spent.
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August 23, 2017
This is an amazing story of a man's love for his wife, caring for her when she was diagnosed with a devastating illness, Parkinson's, a time when he thought, "This is one thing in your life you are going to do right."
Kondracke was honest about his emotions in this memoir.
It was also striking that the patient, his wife, said that when someone is sick, she is truly alone. "No matter how much people love you, you are alone."
I do not agree with all their thoughts and but I appreciated the honesty.
Kondracke was honest about his emotions in this memoir.
It was also striking that the patient, his wife, said that when someone is sick, she is truly alone. "No matter how much people love you, you are alone."
I do not agree with all their thoughts and but I appreciated the honesty.
June 3, 2009
This was a great book. I really enjoyed it because it gives so much insight into Parkinson's Disease and what it is like for both the person afficted by the disease and the caregiver. The author is Milly's husband and he's brutally honest as he describes their struggle with the disease. I think it's a great book for shedding insight and lessons learned into how you might actually deal with something like this (what to avoid) if it happened to you or someone you loved.
March 27, 2010
2 chapters in the book about Millie Kondracke were especially informative to me: politics and funding of research in diseases. Admired Mort Kondracke's commitment to his wife,dedication to Parkinson's research and even more to his work to double the research budget for all NIH.
Informative read about Parkinson's effects on an individual. Learned a lot about different individuals: Millie, Mo Udall. Increased my knowledge and empathy
Informative read about Parkinson's effects on an individual. Learned a lot about different individuals: Millie, Mo Udall. Increased my knowledge and empathy
July 11, 2015
I read this after my Dad recommended it. My Dad has Parkinson's and I found the book incredibly painful at times - well written, informative, and beautiful. I had no idea of the politics behind medical research. I guess I should have known - but never really thought about it. Grateful my Dad's Parkinson's is not as advanced, nor as aggressive... Yet - saddened that more has not been done towards finding the cure of this... But alas - there are so many diseases - and maybe in time...
March 14, 2008
Interesting story about a man dealing with his wive's disease. I loved how he was honest with his true feelings, even when they made him feel guilty. This also has some interesting bits about Hillary Clinton and John McCain who the author had several interactions with in the late 90's. New perspective!
May 28, 2024
I loved the interpersonal relationship parts of this book- it is an honor to dive into a person’s life. I didn’t like how much of it was politics- i would have appreciated less about politics but overall a solid read. I have a dear friend whom was diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness (MS) and my heart bonded with some of the authors sharing.
September 11, 2024
This was a great read for learning more about Parkinson’s Disease. It is helpful to understand what caregivers face, as well as for people with the diagnosis who currently do not have the chance to get better. The mental fortitude to face that must be daunting. This book was published in 2001, so I’d love to know what advances have been made in the nearly 25 years then.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews