General News
6 October, 2024
Fastest growing neurological condition globally, highlighted in Horsham
Parkinson's Disease on the radar in Horsham Walk in the Park
The annual Walk in the Park held on Sunday, September 22 was attended by people living with Parkinson's Disease and family and friends, to raise awareness of the condition and raise funds for research.
People gathered on the banks of the Wimmera River to take part in the walk and enjoy a barbeque afterwards.
Fight Parkinson's Victoria chief executive Emma Collins welcomed the gathering and invited Member for Lowan Emma Kealy to officially launched the 2024 walk.
Ms Kealy congratulated those attending saying the money raised was essential to continue to find ways for a quicker diagnosis and treatment plan for people diagnosed with the terrible condition.
"However there have been so many findings that have made living with Parkinson's easier and people are continuing with normal activities for much longer," she said.
One of the people to make a big difference in the past year was Wimmera Parkinson's Peer Group secretary Shona Cross who raised $120,000 by telling her story of living with Parkinson's.
"I was diagnosed eight years ago I suppose I became a poster child for Parkinson's last year when I decided to share my story. I did it to bring about awareness and raise money." she said.
Ms Cross had the brain stimulation surgery which for her has made a notable difference in her life by reducing her symptoms. She has also been able to reduce her medication since the surgery.
Movement nurses Gaye Brown and Lou Bellizzi took part in the walk and said many of their clients are people living with the fastest growing neurological condition of Parkinson's, globally.
"It is a fantastic turn out to day." Ms Brown said who works in the Horsham area.
"It shows there is community support and as it is an all ages event there is a connection between families and friends."
Her fellow nurse, Ms Bellizei who works in the Warracknabeal area said, "Understanding is the key, getting people together is so important.
"Isolation can be an issue depending on the individual person's symptoms and getting together with people who understand can be very beneficial.
"There is a lot to take on board with this diagnosis but people can live really well with knowledge and support," she said.
Sheryl and Robert Ellis attended the Walk in the Park 2024 to represent a friend who was diagnosed with Parkinson's several years ago.
Parkinson's Disease is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world with a higher percentage of cases in Horsham and the Ballarat area than the rest of state of Victoria.
The heredity factor is only represented in a small percentage of cases with environmental factors one of the main causes according to research.