The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Bendigo will be going for a “Walk in the Park” on Sunday to raise money for research into the disease.
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Steve Jones was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 and attends the support group’s monthly meeting as a way to connect with other people, describing it as “invaluable” to his personal experience.
Steve’s first symptoms of uncontrollable tremors and shaking in his right hand first emerged after he had returned from a family Holiday to Coffs Harbour.
Doctors first thought Steve was experiencing a benign essential tremor, a brain disorder unrelated to Parkinson’s which also causes parts of the body to shake uncontrollably.
After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Steve underwent a deep brain stimulation procedure at a hospital in Melbourne to try and manage his symptoms.
“The first six months after the operation were quite an ordeal because I had to keep travelling back to Melbourne for follow up procedures,” Steve said.
Looking back on his experience he has praised the support he receives from the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group in Bendigo.
However, Steve’s everyday life doesn’t come without its challenges.
“I can’t do what I used to be able to do,” Steve said.
“I used to love getting out in the shed to tinker with things, but now I really have to choose the things I do carefully.
“I also get very tired, some days when I get up I feel wrecked.”
Steve does regular pool exercises to help manage the ongoing symptoms.
Approximately 80,000 people are living with Parkinson’s disease in Australia and about 27,000 in Victoria.
To help raise awareness, Parkinson’s Victoria will hold a “Walk in the Park” this Sunday at the north car park at Lake Weeroona, marking the 10th anniversary of the initiative.
Registrations commence at 10:30am with the walk starting at 11am.
Entry is $5 which includes a sausage, with all profits going towards funding research.
Bendigo’s support group secretary Glenis Gordon hoped people who attend the walk would help bring attention to the neurological condition.
“Please come and give generously so we can raise more money for Parkinson’s research,” Glenis said.
“Until we actually find out what causes the disease there’s no way we will be able to find a cure.”
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