KACEY MONTOYA

Although his projects are international, Parkinson is a product of the desert. He's a graduate of Indio High School Class of '67. No matter where his work takes him he says he couldn't do it without a supportive family.

News Video: Jefferson Award Certificate Winner James Parkinson

By Kacey Montoya
CBS 2 News

This weeks Jefferson Awards certificate nominee reached his helping hand outside the Coachella Valley and across the world. James Parkinson lives in the desert, but his good works reach far beyond.

James Parkinson lives in the desert, but his good works reach far beyond.

While visiting Tanzania, Africa, Parkinson learned the country had a serious problem with breast cancer. So he and his doctor brother, who specializing in breast cancer, managed to get four mammography machines donated to the poor country.

Parkinson also has a passion for law, politics, and history. His book "Soldier Slaves" traces the course of american P.O.W.s forced to work by Japanese companies during World War II. With the support of influential senators like Orrin Hatch and Joseph Biden, he is reaching thousands of Americans.