The double-blow
Mike’s career had seen him move through the Commonwealth Bank to Trans Australia Airlines (TAA), Juvenile Justice, as a tours director in Europe and, following a mature age qualification in business, into industrial relations for the union movement. His union job meant extensive interstate travel, broken sleep, lots of coffee and unhealthy food. People had […]
Something wasn’t right
Jill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2002 after suffering an unrelated minor stroke. Looking back, she says, her smaller writing, dragging feet and her needing two hands to clean teeth, were early signs that “something wasn’t right”. Her brother had Parkinson’s and it was his insistence to her to “get on the tablets” that started […]
Still going strong
Peter Raymond wasn’t keeping up with other members of his cricket team; he found himself dosing off at traffic lights in warmer weather and he’d bought an electric toothbrush because he didn’t have the strength to brush his teeth. Tennis elbow, bad posture, arthritis, fatigue. Peter knew that he wasn’t suffering ‘old age’, but the […]
Geoff’s new direction
“It was actually a big relief to finally put a name to my condition. In fact, I even remember smiling when the neurologist told me, which was not a reaction he had encountered before,” says Geoff. Geoff’s positivity has continued unabated since diagnosis. He has thrown himself into a regime of outdoor activity to help […]
Jenny’s mob
“It’s a darned thing to get, but it has made me realise there are still some marvellous people out there,” says Jenny. Backing-up the primary support team of husband Ian and her 3 children is the entire Bonbeach Sports Club. Last year, Jenny was joined by more than 70 family members, friends and footy club […]
Grant’s life takes off
Grant struggled with simple tasks such as putting on his socks, writing and even getting up from the couch. This was not what Grant had imagined for his life. He remembers his legs bouncing up and down on his first solo flight as a commercial pilot. Just 21 years old, he now suspects this was the […]
Terry, Helen and Anne
Supported by wife, Helen, daughter Anne and other family members, Terry is an active member of the Glenferrie Rotary Club, attends Camberwell Peer Support Group meetings and participates in A Walk in the Park. He also enjoys going to the footy, gardening and travelling. “Having Parkinson’s is our new ‘normal’. While my symptoms have […]
Paula, Gary and Owen
Along with her partner, Gary, they are proud and busy parents of 3 year old Owen. Paula’s positive attitude, her enjoyment of running and living each day to the fullest has seen her complete half marathons, the Great Train Race against Puffing Billy and walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail in Spain. “Parkinson’s has […]
John and Julie
They have also raised significant funds for Fight Parkinson’s through the Tulip Ball, been involved in medical trials as well as running a business, travelling, playing competitive sport, being grandparents and sharing lots of laughs. “You don’t know what life is going to throw at you, so make sure you have fun every day.”
Jill, Natalie and Alice
Jill has taken up art as a therapeutic activity and been part of two art shows, acted as a Parkinson’s Ambassador, while also continuing her long-standing career teaching calisthenics. “I have Parkinson’s, but it doesn’t have me.”