Parkinson's disease, contrary to popular belief, is not just associated with older people, nor is it a matter of occasional shakes. The disease is much more complex and challenging than most people presume.
Despite affecting 10 million individuals worldwide, with 200,000 in Australia, Parkin-son's disease remains widely misunderstood. Sadly, 38 Australians are diagnosed with the disease every day.
Most of us overlook the small things in life, such as eating, drinking, dressing, or conversing with others. It's only when we face or become familiar with Parkinson's disease that we realise how challenging these seemingly simple tasks can be.
This April, Parkinson's Awareness Month is an opportunity to inspire hope, raise funds for research, and work towards a future where Parkinson's disease is no longer a burden.
Rose Parkin is the president of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Parkinson Association Inc., home to the ‘Parky People’. A charity operating for four years, Rose has been leading the group for the last three years and has played an instrumental role in expanding and diversifying the charity's services to its members.
Rose says social interactions and maintaining skills are crucial for people with Parkinson's, their families, and carers.
Given the challenges of Parkinson's disease, including clumsiness, slowness, and difficulty speaking, it is essential to be with people who understand and share similar experiences.
The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Parkinson Association Inc. provides a range of activities for its members, including a weekly choir, fitness group, walking group, and craft group. The group also hosts monthly meetings and annual events, such as a picnic at Bobbin Head and a concert featuring Principal Artists from Opera Australia.
Rose emphasises the importance of community and socialising for people with Parkinson's, which helps them fight PD, improve their attitude, and maintain fitness. According to Rose, the group has over 100 members who come from various places, including the Hills district, Artarmon, the Northern Beaches, and the locals. The charity also invites speakers to share information on current research developments and practical solutions to shared problems.
"Our only tools to fight PD at the moment are attitude and fitness. We need to laugh and share stories and feel we are fighting this together. And carers need to know they are not alone. - Rose Parkin.
Rose recently wrote a poem titled "We Are Tired," which reflects the struggles that people with Parkinson's face every day. However, she believes that getting together and sharing information, as well as having a laugh together, is essential to combating the challenges of Parkinson's. For more information on the activities and services offered by Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Parkinson Association Inc., visit their website at parkypeople.org.
The Parky People will have a stand at Westfield, Hornsby, on the 18th of April to raise awareness and hopefully some funds for their fantastic group of legends.