![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/SeanAtkinson_59353.jpg\")
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“It’s a degenerative disease and every day it becomes harder to walk, it’s harder to talk, it’s hard to do everything.”<\/p>\n
Atkinson was shocked when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 36.<\/p>\n
With no family history of the condition, he represents the rising population of people under 50 being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.<\/p>\n
Atkinson has been a tireless advocate for people living with Parkinson’s and is an active participant in research and community events.<\/p>\n
Working to raise the profile of the condition, he said events such as A Walk in the Park play an important role in making the Parkinson’s community more visible.<\/p>\n
“We need our voice to be heard and for people to see what the Parkinson’s community is like and how it’s building, because there are so many people in our community who are touched by Parkinson’s disease who may not know,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s not something that most people come out and openly discuss. It’s historically been a hidden illness because of the stigma that is attached to it.”<\/p>\n
Fight Parkinson’s supports people living with Parkinson’s through research, education and community programs.<\/p>\n
The Geelong walk will be held on 4 May at Eastern Park.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TWO Geelong residents are sharing their stories in the hope of spreading awareness for one of Australia’s fastest growing neurological diseases. John Eren and Sean Atkinson live with Parkinson’s disease and have stepped up as ambassadors for Fight Parkinson’s annual A Walk in the Park. The event aims to bring broader understanding of the condition […]<\/p>\n