The Geelong community will come together this weekend to raise funds and awareness of the world’s fastest growing neurological condition.
Fight Parkinson’s is calling on as many people as possible to help lift the lid off Parkinson’s by joining in A Walk in the Park at Eastern Park this Sunday, May 5.
The inclusive and accessible walk sets off at 10.30am, with music, coffee, a sausage sizzle and some speeches starting at 9.30am.
Armstrong Creek’s Rose De Kook, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September 2021, will be taking part in her third A Walk in the Park this year.
Ms De Kook, 65, encouraged everyone to get along to the event and support the cause.
“Come down and bring the kids, there are lots of kids and it’s a short walk,” she said.
“Obviously, we can’t do marathons. But we do the best we can, and there are people with motorised scooters and walkers, people walking and you know, families, kids skipping along ahead of you, it’s a fun day.
“It’s a really nice day and you feel as if you’re doing something for a really good cause.”
Fight Parkinson’s chief executive Emma Collin said the event helped raise awareness of the different ways Parkinson’s could affect different people.
“Together, we want to ensure the wider community understands the deep impact of Parkinson’s that goes beyond shaking so the disease is taken more seriously by decision makers and also to reduce the stigma associated with some of the symptoms,” Ms Collin said.
“When the community is united, they can empower each other to make a difference. A Walk in the Park provides the perfect opportunity to stand together to be seen, heard and understood.”
Visit fightparkinsons.grassrootz.com/a-walk-in-the-park-geelong-2024/tickets to register.
