Seventeen Wimmera Parkinson’s Peer Support Group members joined 18 members of the Hamilton Parkinson’s Group for lunch at Alexandra House and were inspired by members sharing their individual Parkinson’s journey.
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We travelled by mini bus, ably driven by carer/member, Julieanne Barrett, enjoying countryside looking at its best following good rains and paddock growth.
New lambs gambolled alongside the ewes, whilst in other areas, shearing was underway.
Our host, Maryanne, an assistant with allied health, works with five groups within the Hamilton area - Parkinson’s being just one.
Hamilton group member David Rendell spoke of his initial reluctance to disclose his Parkinson’s when he was first diagnosed some nine and a half years ago at the age of 51, saying he was in denial for quite a lengthy period.
As a fit active young man, in a successful veterinary practice, travelling interstate and working a full-time week, he found running on a regular basis has worked well for him, giving him the exercise he needs in a form he enjoys.
He still works a full week, and is active in public speaking, as well as still travelling interstate in his field of work.
With 10 other vets working with him, he hopes to gradually ease back a little and do more consultancy work.
Only recently he participated in a 60km walk through the Grampians over two days, Serra Terror – an achievement that called for all his motivation and strength.
He urged everyone to exercise regularly, regardless of how little, but to just do it.
Vivien McRoberts, from Wimmera Parkinson’s Peer Support Group, also gave a short address, telling of her diagnosis four years ago, which followed on from problems with balance, gait, arm swing, shoulder discomfort and changes in her facial features.
In her words, it is more of a nuisance, not so much of a disability, and she follows her general day to day feeling, by doing what she can on the good days and taking it easier on the not so good days.
Both members were positive examples of “I have Parkinson’s but Parkinson’s does not have me”.
Members and any interested persons are urged to consider the August 27 Walk in the Park, at Weir Park, Horsham, commencing at 11am.
You are encouraged to walk as little or as much as you are able.
Entry is $5, with all monies going to Parkinson’s Victoria.
Sponsor forms are available or perhaps you would just like to sponsor a member.
Sausage, bread and orange juice will be the walkers’ reward.
Next meeting will be on Friday, August 4, at noon, in the form of a shared luncheon at the Horsham Uniting Church meeting room.
Gold coin donation please, which will help to cover the room charge.
All interested persons are welcome.