SWAN Hill residents are encouraged to put their best foot forward in a bid to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Parkinson’s disease research.
The Swan Hill Parkinson’s Peer Support Group is preparing to host its first A Walk in the Park event to coincide with Parkinson’s biggest annual fundraiser in Victoria.Organisers hope the event will bring the community together, whilst lifting the profile of the disease and raising funds.
Russ Wardle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in December 2020.
“It was a bit of a shock at first, having to make lifestyle changes and give up work,” Mr Wardle said.
However, two months ago, Mr Wardle was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative brain condition, which is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s in its early stages.
Parkinson’s disease or Atypical Parkinson’s which includes PSP is a life-changing condition with no cure and Mr Wardle said his diagnosis presented many challenges.
“For me, at this stage, it is voice and balance issues,” he said.
“If I am not careful, I tend to fall backwards. I also find it hard to speak but luckily I am a man of few words.”
Mr Wardle said he found comfort in knowing he was not alone in his journey.
“At this stage, we have about eight people with Parkinson’s in the Swan Hill Parkinson’s Peer Support Group, as well as additional carers.”
Mr Wardle said Parkinson’s was a personal experience with no two stories the same.
“We do not know its cause, but people with Parkinson’s have low levels of dopamine.”
Symptoms may include shaking or trembling, stiff or tight muscles, slow movement, balance issues or difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Those impacted by Parkinson’s rely on a large team to support them and Mr Wardle said doctors, neurologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech therapists, chemists, NDIS, council services, friends and family all contributed to ensure those diagnosed were able to live a fulfilling life.
Hoping to lift the lid on Parkinson’s, Mr Wardle is encouraging the wider Swan Hill community to help show their support for the disease by participating in A Walk in the Park.
“The event is open to anyone who wants to join the walk, or if you don’t want to participate, please come along to cheer on our walkers and show your support,” Mr Wardle said, adding merchandise would be available to purchase on the day.
While the group doesn’t have a fundraising target in mind, Mr Wardle said they hoped to raise the profile of Parkinson’s within the local community.
“The key is dollars for research,” Mr Wardle said.
“Parkinson’s, MND and MS are all related in some way. Hopefully a cure can be found for all of these.”
A Walk in the Park is on Sunday, March 26, with the walk starting at the Riverside Park rotunda at 10.30am.
