Parkinson's Awareness Day 11 April!
This month I am raising awareness for Parkinson's...
I am using my voice (quiet as it is) where possible to raise awareness and get the message out about Parkinson's - with some help from my friends.
Help with Parkinson's awareness and advocacy.
Parkinson's and related research, meetings and groups are becoming more a part of my existence these days, and am making an effort to spread awareness. There are some upcoming events including the AGM of Parkinson's Fighters United at the end of the month, and it is likely I may pick up a role of some type.
Parkinson's Queensland helped coordinate the "Really Big Walk " fundraiser with a very long meandering walk from Greenslopes to Coolum concluding on World Parkinson's Day.
2021-04-10
I stepped up my involvement (literally) by walking a part of the way with Joe and Vince Kelly. My chosen leg was on the Saturday 10th - originally a 16.5 km stretch. However, a modified schedule meant that this leg became much longer so that Joe and Vince could have an easier last day. I managed to keep up with these two great blokes from Mapleton to Yandina which was a distance of 24.59km. We pulled up for lunch and I decided that was far enough for my chicken legs. I was the most kms that I walked without a break and was happy that I had done this. It was a privilege to be able to walk and talk with these two awesome men, who are very community spirited.
The outcome of all the walking and fundraising for me was amazing - I walked 165kms and raised $3570 !! The total funds raised was over $63000 which is fantastic. It was awesome to have such support for my part in this challenge. Among the wonderful donors and supporters were family, friends, colleagues, clients and all. I am very humbled by many significant donations and I am especially grateful for my one person cheer squad, Glenda who enabled and encouraged me along the way. Couldn't have done this without your support xx.
The second and equally important part of this Really Big Walk was a raising awareness and through this process I did have contact with a person who was in the process of having their diagnosis confirmed. This person I am pleased to say reached out after seeing posts on facebook about my participation in this walk and we spoke at length about various aspects relating to diagnosis, symptoms and resources available to help find information and support going forward. If this one person gets some value from my openness then that makes the walk worthwhile. #thisisparkinsons #makeparkinsonsapriority
2021-04-11
Assisted with Parkinson Fighters United founder Madonna Brady's awareness and fundraiser at Bradshaw park in Kedron on Sunday afternoon. I was helping to man the HQ tent where we signed people in for covid tracking purposes and chatted to some lovely folk. Complete with "Riff Raff" marching band leading the group on a meander along the pathway and back it was a fun afternoon. Thanks to the SES for marshalling and assistanace and the local MPs for providing assets such as tables tents and chairs. A great afternoon all round.
2021-04-12
A social dinner at the Pig n Whistle with the PFU members where Migael Diaz CEO of Parkinson's Queensland spoke on what's happening through the next few months.
2021-04-15
A Young Onset Peer group meeting initiated by Parkinson's Queensland for those who are in this pool was held via zoom to discuss what we would like to get from the support group related to the "younger crowd". It was decided to kick off with a series of monthly meetings in the evenings so that those who work day jobs have a better chance of attending, and a list of topics was noted. Yours truly has volunteered to run / mc the first meeting and hopefully keep the flow, discussion on track. Good initiative on behalf of Parkinson's Queensland to help us network across the state and beyond
2021-04-22
As a result of my efforts in the walk ( I think thats why, or maybe its just my all round charm ) I have been invited to join some of the Parkinson's Queensland team at a Parliamentary Dinner hosted by the MP for Toohey Peter Russo. This is quite an honour and I will need to ensure that I don't waste the opportunity to carefully and tactfully press the message about the need to lift the profile of Parkinson's across the board and help keep us at the fore front of budget discussions and decisions in the health area.
Walking.
Now over 325 days in a row without missing a morning walk. Only 40 more and it will be a full year.
Medication.
No Change to the schedule or positive impact.
Research.
Still working to make the research links page a bit more useful, it was a simple list to start with but expanding to make better use of the info in it.
Pilates.
Pilates on Wednesday... amazing how I can form a positive habit so quickly. Still going and still enjoying. Some new tricks and exercises to do every week
PFU Boxing.
On Wednesdays I do non contact boxing at the PCYC Laing Park 11:30 - 12:30. I am one of the young ones. Really enjoying it especially without the need for masks so we can really do more boxing. Nice having the shower at work and feel awesome afterwards. Deb is awesome, doing a Parkinson's specific session.
Social Outings.
Some upcoming events in the pipeline, and some great events past.
Always look forward to "Early Friday" / "Thirsty Thursday" beers with Neil, Don and Greg plus a few other random friends.
Work.
Head down and focus on delivery. Catch up is the order of the day.
Land Sailing.
Waiting for each Sunday to see what's happening at the track.... and have had a few other events happening.
Otherwise for me its still so far so good.
Same Same.
And that is all for just now - keep a lookout for the next post and thanks for tagging along!