A Walk in the Park raises over $15,000 for Parkinsons

HUNDREDS turned out to Geelong’s Eastern Park last Sunday 5 May 5 for a Walk in the Park, raising awareness and much needed funds for Parkinson’s disease.

Around 300 people, plus their four-legged friends, came together to take part in the event, completing the two-kilometre walking loop.

Fight Parkinson’s CEO Emma Collin said it was incredibly enjoyable day.

“Geelong Walk in the Park is always such a beautiful event and we certainly had a gift this year with the weather, and the sun was shining.”

The Geelong community raised over $15,000 for Fight Parkinson’s with funds going towards the organisation’s programs, including funding their multidisciplinary health funds and education.

“An amazing effort from and by the community in terms of fundraising and raising awareness,” Ms Collin said.

“We loved being down there again for the day and we just couldn’t commend the community enough for doing such a great job.”

Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest neurological condition and can affect people from their mid-30’s, however, is often misunderstood.

The chronic disease has more than 40 symptoms there are treatment options available, however currently there is no cure or way to slow the diseases progression.

“Part of the reason we do a walk in the park is to raise awareness of the condition in the community,”

Ms Collin said.

“A soon as we start to promote the event, we bring out new people within the community and we connect them with our services and supports.”

Ms Collin said the event provided an opportunity for the community to share their stories and journeys with Parkinson’s, breaking down the misconceptions.

“There’s certainly stigma associated with this condition and there’s a lack of understanding of the condition in the community.

“Through these sorts of events we can certainly raise the profile of the condition and what it means for people loving with and impacted by Parkinson’s.”

Fight Parkinson’s will hold a free community seminar in Geelong on May 15 where attendees will hear from Professor David Finkelstein, head of the Parkinson’s Disease Laboratory at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

To learn more or to register for the community seminar, head to fightparkinsons.org.au