Belinda’s Life Changing Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, at age 44. My first symptom was that my right arm failed to swing when I walked (in hindsight, a not uncommon first symptom). There was no damage or pain in the arm, but I worried that it was serious. As I stepped through the stages of […]
How life changed through my father’s MSA diagnosis
The reality is that it’s difficult to navigate a disease so few people know about, within a health and aged care system that has limited exposure to the specific symptoms and nuances that MSA brings. Fleur, who is a full-time working mum, supports and advocates on behalf of her Dad, Edgar Ritchie. She has shared […]
For the Love of Mum – Raising Awareness of PSP
Paul Manolitsas is a passionate young man whose own life, along with that of his parents and two brothers, was changed forever when Mum, Debra, was diagnosed with PSP in 2015. Debra, who had raised three sons and dedicated herself to the care of others as a nurse, was referred to a neurologist after experiencing […]
Covid Travel Tale
“We had a wonderful holiday,” Jill said. “We used the internet to research places to go and where to stay, and as no money was involved and there were no problems with accessibility, we could choose the best and most luxurious hotel rooms!” The couple allocated budget to buy special treats along the way. They […]
Time to smell the roses
Pam describes Fight Parkinson’s as that best friend on the other end of the phone that is always there for you, listening without judgement and seeming to know what to do and how to do it, when you don’t. Pam’s journey has been unexpected; full of twists and turns, ups and downs, but without doubt […]
Staying two steps ahead
Dylan describes how Parkinson’s makes him ask this question each day, and he adjusts his plans so that he can live the day as best he can. Dylan acknowledges it takes a certain humility to start each day with this question. He continues to adapt to life with Parkinson’s since diagnosis eight years ago, aged […]
Learning to never give up
Cheryl didn’t think she would have to care for her husband Llwyd in the way she cared for her children when they were young, but this is what she had to do when her husband was diagnosed with Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy (PSP) at the age of 50. Cheryl recounts: “We thought at first he was […]
Holding on to my dream
This is now my fifth A Walk in the Park, and over the years I have proudly met my annual fundraising goal of $10,000. It means so much to me to be able to support others with Parkinson’s. Though it’s been 16 years since I was diagnosed, my own journey with Parkinson’s has taken many […]
This is my smile!
“Don’t look so serious”, my mother in law said, “smile for the camera”. “This is my smile” I replied. It’s fair to say that the camera and I are no longer friends. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over two years ago at 47. The diagnosis took 30 minutes, quick and simple. So many of […]
Cruising along
Andrew was diagnosed in 2000 after experiencing problems with walking, fatigue and deteriorating handwriting. At the time, one of his doctors told his wife Betty that he probably wouldn’t be able to walk in five years. This spurred Andrew on to a fairly heavy exercise regime. Fifteen years later, Andrew describes himself as becoming a “gym junkie.” He also continues to play golf […]