Henry Winkler Spills As He Heads For CT

Actor, author, producer and director Henry Winkler has a new moniker, ambassador for the Open Arms Campaign. And his best known character, “TheFonz,” would approve. As ambassador, Winkler is speaking out on the disease, upper limb spasticity (ULS) and its treatment. Winkler became familiar with the disease after his mother suffered a stroke and found herself debilitated by the relatively unknown condition. Now he is touring on behalf of the organization to raise awareness, and will be in Hartford Thursday at Mt. Sinai Rehabilitation Center on Blue Hills Avenue after a stop at the Fearless Caregiver Conference in Southbury. A well-known star who has visited Connecticut for some other good causes over the years, Winkler was eating lunch at The Pit in Raleigh, N.C. when he Spilled the Beans with Java.

Q: How did you get involved with “Open Arms: Raising Awareness of Upper Limb Spasticity?”

A: When my mother had her stroke in the 90s, we didn’t know about ULS that affected her upper body. Open Arms was looking for an ambassador who had experience with stroke in their family and approached me. It wasn’t until then that I realized my mother, who died in 1998, had suffered from ULS. The condition is a prison and no one was sure then how to treat it. If they knew then what they know now, it would have changed the outlook. It is a painful unsightly condition and difficult on the patient and the caregiver. Imagine not being able to unclench your hand or wash the palms of your hand.

Q: And now?

A: Botox is being effectively used for treatment. Treatments before affected the whole body, instead of just addressing just the affected parts of the body. So before, something might be administered that made the patient drowsy or have a negative effect on other parts of the body. I think it is wonderful as I go around the country and meet patients and doctors that something has been found that can help muscles that are overcompensating and seizing up.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about the disease?

A: That there is something that can be done to help.

Q: I know you en involved in other causes over the years. Is this another act of altruism on your part?

A: It is not a matter of altruism. This is unbelievable that I get to do this and is wonderful for me. It feels so terrific when you see human beings who can benefit from the right treatment. Lots of time when you do a media campaign you have to work at getting people interested. Everyone knows someone, by stroke or head injury or a back injury or cerebral palsy. People have been so receptive.

Q: I know you have a couple of tv shows, “Royal Pains” and in August “Children’s Hospital.” What else is going on professionally?

A: I have a new movie coming out in October with Kevin James, “Here Comes The Boom” and am working on bringing my new children’s novel “Ghost Buddy, “ to tv.

Q: What would “The Fonz” say about you efforts for “Open Arms?”

A: I believe he would be proud. He is a pretty sensitive guy.