Geelong joins fight against Parkinson’s

A STRONG turnout at Geelong’s Parkinson’s Fundraising Gala Luncheon last week has left the event’s organiser hopeful a cure to Parkinson’s can be found one day.

Held at GMHBA Stadium’s Captains Room, the luncheon helped shine a light on the disease and the work being done to defeat it.

Guests from across the region attended to hear inspirational stories, including from organiser Sean Atkinson.

“The event was incredible, in my biased opinion,” he said.

“It was wonderful to see so many people in the room to support an imitative that is very close to me and my family.

“To hear from John [Eren] and Kylie [Christian] around their journeys and how the disease impacts on their lives always takes some courage and it was certainly well received by those attending.

“It was personally very emotional for me to see so many people in the room support the event both attending and for their generous donations.”

Mr Atkinson said he was extremely grateful Shake It Up Foundation’s chief executive officer was able to attend the event.

“We were so fortunate to have Vicki Miller attend the event from Sydney and discuss the impacts of the funding and how events like this provide great benefit to research for the Parkinson’s community.”

All of the donations made at the event have gone directly to Shake It Up.

The proceeds will support research to find ways to stop, slow and cure Parkinson’s disease.

Mr Atkinson said he would continue his advocacy in spreading awareness for Parkinson’s disease, following his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s in 2023.