One community, one voice - walking together for Parkinson's WA
On Sunday 11 September, we walked for Parkinson’s WA (PWA), joining approximately 1000 community members who brought along their family, friends and dogs. The 12th Annual Walk in the Park event is PWA’s biggest and most successful fundraiser and the 2km and 5km walk options are offered each year at the picturesque Perry Lakes Reserve, Floreat.
The colourful, energetic Wasamba Carnival Drummers led the procession and gave a momentous send-off to the crowd as they took their first steps.
Dr Katrina Stratton, member for Nedlands joined the community with her dog Millie and her daughter. Katrina said she was eager to walk this year and it meant a lot to her to be involved.
"My children and I are walking, knowing that exercise is one of the key ingredients for people to live with Parkinson’s disease. I’ve met residents who are living with Parkinson’s and I know the services and awareness created will mean a lot to them," she said.
"Many neurological conditions are ‘hidden’ and by making more noise and creating more colour, we open up the conversation, and when we open up the conversation, we create understanding and compassion."
Speaking to Jen who has been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, she said she was happy to attend her first Walk in the Park as Parkinson’s WA (PWA) delivered a service close to her heart.
“It was upon diagnosis that I was directed to PWA, an incredible organisation that provides support to those in WA living with Parkinson’s, and to their carers and families.”
“I found it really refreshing to connect with the Parkinson’s community. I was initially concerned meeting other people with the condition, but for me it has been so affirming to hear other people’s stories. Connecting with other community members through an event like this is part of the benefit of having an organisation like PWA.”
Parkinson’s WA Community member Raymond joined his family and the second year to show their support for people living with Parkinson’s and the Specialist Nursing team.
“The walk is a good opportunity for family and friends to support us and to raise awareness about Parkinson’s. It’s good for family and friends to be included so the person with the condition is not left alone in the community,” he said.
This event raises essential funds for those affected by Parkinson’s in the WA community by contributing to the unique community-based Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist service, with a range of other assistance initiatives such as Seminars, Support Groups, Carers Groups and Counselling.
See some more photos of the day here through our Facebook page.
Donations are open until the end of the month and you can donate now through the donation site. For more information about Parkinson’s WA call 6457 7373, visit www.parkinsonswa.org.au or email info@parkinsonswa.org.au.
Donate today!