One of the original members of Flying Jenny, Duncan Blair, discovered he had early onset Parkinson's disease a few years ago.  Although this disease has steadily eroded Duncan's ability to play the banjo and practice his profession, law, Duncan firmly believes that his playing music with Flying Jenny has helped him cope with the disease.  As Parkinson's has made inroads into Duncan's banjo playing he has taken up the banjo ukulele with success and continues to perform with the band.  So far Parkinson's has not had a noticeable impact on his fine ear or his vocals.  His nephew Charlie has taken over most of the banjo playing for the group but Duncan still picks it up occasionally when Charlie plays the fiddle on a number.

Duncan has immersed himself in fund raising for Parkinson's research and in working with organizations dedicated to easing the burden of Parkinson's disease on the victims and their families.  Flying Jenny assists at Parkinson's functions whenever we can.  An excellent article about Duncan appeared in the Birmingham News on April 09, 2009.
You can find out more about Parkinson's at the following websites:

Parkinson’s Association of Alabama

University of Alabama at Birmingham Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Research Program

University of Alabama at Birmingham Parkinson’s Disease Information and Referral Center

The Worm Shack: Home of the Caldwell Lab, University of Alabama

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research