Gerald Knutson and Mobility Assistance Dog Jade Author: Emma Hage After a car accident in 2008, Gerald “Jerry” of Apple Valley, Minn. began to experience a lot of discomfort. Level-3 back surgery, along with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 55, led to a multitude of health problems: high sensitivity to pain, trouble with balance and walking, osteoarthritis, moderate tremors, and chronic back pain. Using a walker, cane, or power chair, Jerry could still get around and do the things he enjoyed—such as trading and collecting cars—but everyday life presented him with challenges and pain. When a …