Flip some pancakes for Parkinson’s research

THIS month, Shake It Up Australia Foundation is calling on the community to host a pancake-themed event and raise funds with its Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s campaign.

As Parkinson’s Awareness Month begins and World Parkinson’s Day is observed today (Friday, April 11), Shake it Up is inviting all Australians to turn a simple breakfast recipe into a potential cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition, affects the movement, speech, and quality of life of more than 200,000 Australians.

Shake It Up, driven by a vision of a world without Parkinson’s, is dedicated to funding groundbreaking research that aims to slow, stop, and ultimately cure the disease.

Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s is a community-driven initiative that brings people together to share a meal, raise awareness, and contribute to vital research.

Shake It Up is encouraging individuals, schools, workplaces, and community groups to get creative and host their own pancake-themed events throughout April.

“Whether you’re a pancake pro or a first-time flipper, your participation in Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s will help Shake It Up fund crucial research and bring us closer to a cure. It’s a fun and delicious way to support a vital cause,” Shake It Up chief executive officer Vicki Miller said.

Shake It Up ambassador Emma Tinkler was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 45. Each year, she hosts a ‘P’ themed fundraiser during Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

“Hosting my annual Parkinson’s fundraiser means turning my diagnosis into a catalyst for change, raising awareness, and funds for crucial research that will improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s,” she said.

You can get involved in Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s by:

• Gathering your friends, family, or colleagues for a pancake breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• Organising a pancake decorating competition, a pancake flipping relay, or a challenge to build the tallest pancake tower, or
• Hold another ‘P’ themed fundraiser if you are not into pancakes, such as Pilates 4 Parkinson’s, Prosecco 4 Parkinson’s or Pizza 4 Parkinson’s.

Every dollar raised through Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s events will go directly towards supporting innovative Parkinson’s research projects in Australia.

“By coming together and enjoying some great food, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our Shake it Up community and hope more Australians join us in the quest to find a cure this April,” Shake It Up founder Clyde Campbell said.

To register to host your own event, head to shakeitup.org.au/pancakes