Benalla's Deb Smith is taking part in a community fundraiser for people living with Parkinson’s disease this month.
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Ms Smith, Benalla's Parkinson’s Peer Support Group facilitator, will be participating in 27forParkinson’s, which involves walking 27 times in 27 days to raise funds for, and awareness of the degenerative neurological condition that affects more than 27,000 Victorians.
With COVID-19 keeping many Victorians apart, 27forParkinson’s enables people living with Parkinson’s to physically participate in an event as part of a virtual team with family and friends.
Ms Smith said she would be walking at home, with her dog, before and after work and at every opportunity she got.
“My life has been personally touched by Parkinson’s as my Dad was diagnosed in his 60s, so I am dedicating my walk to his memory, and to honour the support groups I work with,” Ms Smith said.
“I have been privileged to work with the Benalla Parkinson’s Support group for the past 14 years.
“They are a fantastic group of people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, who support each other to make the most of life with and to get help to do so.
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“We are very grateful for the support we have been given over the years by the team from Parkinson’s Victoria, both as a group, and as individuals.
“(We) see this as a paying it forward in a small way.
“My family, especially my dog, is excited to be able to assist me to reach my goal.”
It is estimated that 27,000 Victorians are living with Parkinson’s, with 18 per cent of people diagnosed while still of working age.
It is the second most common neurological condition in Australia.
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There is no known cause or cure. Medication and therapies are used to help manage symptoms, the most common of which are stiffened muscles, slowing movement and changing posture.
Many people also experience resting tremor.
Other symptoms can include pain, depression, anxiety, speech changes and loss of facial expression.
For locals living with Parkinson’s, the peer support group provides an important community support system, where participants build knowledge, access resources, share information and talk openly to each other about their experiences, good and bad.
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Ms Smith said this was especially important in regional areas, where access to medical specialists was more limited and there could be many months – and kilometres – between medical visits.
The Benalla Peer Support Group is backed by Parkinson’s Victoria, a specialist not-for-profit organisation that raises awareness and funds for information and education services that improve quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Victoria chief executive officer Emma Collin said COVID-19 had had a big affect on people living with Parkinson's disease.
“A Parkinson’s diagnosis is life changing, but being resilient, adapting and arming yourself with knowledge is key to living life to the fullest,” Ms Collin said.
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“As is not facing the journey alone, which is why peer support groups are so important at the local level.”
Ms Collin said the event was particularly important this year as many in the community were hurting.
“Anxiety can result in worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms, so our focus has been on supporting people living with Parkinson’s, or caring for someone with Parkinson’s to navigate COVID-19 to stay safe, well and focussed on the future,” Ms Collin said.
“The organisation has also been working with the health and aged-care sectors to improve their knowledge of caring for patients and residents with Parkinson’s during COVID-19.
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“For example, getting medication on time is vital in Parkinson’s treatment.
“That means virtual fundraising events such as 27forParkinson’s are more important than ever to raise funds to allow us to continue to provide the enhanced level of support required during these challenging times.”
Among those supporting the event is the former Victorian Tourism and Events Minister John Eren.
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in December last year,” Mr Eren said.
“On Father’s Day 2016, I died for three minutes after a cardiac arrest.
“I survived and with medication, expected to live a healthy life.
“Parkinson’s is not like that. There is no going back. Parkinson’s is now part of my life.”
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The Benalla Parkinson’s Peer Support Group is not meeting face-to-face at the moment because of COVID-19 restrictions, however, new members are welcome.
● Phone Parkinson’s Victoria on 1800 644 189 for more information on this and other support services available.
● For more information, or to sign up to take part in 27forparkinsons, visit this link.
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