Celebrating a new chapter
Every day, Fight Parkinson’s supports people to adjust to the daily challenges of life with Parkinson's.
When Anne Atkin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 55, she realised she’d probably had symptoms for 10 years, but hadn’t put the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together. Symptoms like the loss of smell, not being able to smile for photos, and her arms not swinging when she walked, now made sense.
Within weeks of diagnosis, Anne contacted Fight Parkinson’s and soon attended a Recently Diagnosed seminar. Support from Fight Parkinson’s helped to provide peace of mind for Anne as she navigated a myriad of decisions and concerns.
For Anne this included how to share the news with family and friends, navigate the complex emotions and varying symptoms of the condition.
In time, Anne’s diagnosis helped set a new direction in her life. Painting become a stronger passion and Anne now regularly exhibits her work. She established Painting with Parkinson’s, a special interest group, of which there are now 6 groups around Victoria. This month Painting with Parkinson’s celebrated its 10 year anniversary.
Anne now faces a new chapter in her life. In June she will undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery and plans to write about her experiences laughing that Chapter 1 is entitled “I’m not doing DBS” and Chapter 2 is “I’m booked in”.
Fight Parkinson’s has been by her side every step of the way, helping to provide information and support for her decision.
A donation to Fight Parkinson’s today will help us reach more people with Parkinson’s, giving them the support they need to better understand and adjust to the ongoing challenges that living with Parkinson’s brings. It will help people, like Anne, live more confidently with Parkinson’s.