Parkinson's has become...
a hated influence that has
invaded my body to deform my abilities and sense of self.
There is no cure
Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that takes away the livelihoods of people living with Parkinson’s and places an enormous strain on families and carers.
There is no cure.
There are 70,000 people living with Parkinson’s in New South Wales with an additional 200,000 people (families and carers) providing constant support. These numbers are projected to double by 2040.
Parkinson’s has a higher incidence rate than many other diseases such as breast and prostate cancer*, yet it receives a fraction of the funding.
Parkinson’s NSW is on the front line of helping people with Parkinson’s, providing Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses, professional counselling, education, a health helpline, referral and advocacy services.
Parkinson’s NSW depends predominantly on fundraising, but this is under pressure as the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease increases in the community.
Increased investment in capacity building is critical.
*Sources: Kolling Institute andcanceraustralia.gov.au
There are 70,000 people living with Parkinson's in NSW
Our impact on our community
The crappiest lucky dip
John Watkins
I was diagnosed in 2010, not long after retiring as NSW’s deputy premier. For me PD has become a dominating, unrepentant and hated influence that has invaded my body to deform my abilities and sense of self. It came out of nowhere, set up shop and refuses to leave.
Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses
Trevor Lyons – Supported by Vince Carroll and Amanda Buzio
Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses are highly trained and experienced nurses based in communities of need. They are dedicated to supporting local people living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s in the Country
Geoff Bourne
“My diagnosis with Parkinson’s came as a bit of a kick in the guts to put it bluntly. It took a while to get used to it, but after a while you learn that that’s what life dealt to you, so you make the most of it.”
Partnering through Parkinson’s
Tony and Maree Bush
“I had torn ligaments in my shoulder and went to a specialist to sort it out,” he recalls. “I also had a tremor in my right hand, which my GP had said was a pinched nerve. That was when I was told I had Parkinson’s.”
My [Parkinson’s] Life
Di Lymbury
“Once I was diagnosed it was actually a relief. When I was given my first medication I was told it might take a few days before I noticed anything, but after I’d taken my second tablet I started to feel normal again!”
Strategic Priorities
Vision
Our aspiration
A Parkinson’s community empowered every step of the way.
Mission
Our focus
We support, enable and advocate for and with people living with Parkinson’s and their communities.
Purpose
What we do
To connect people living with Parkinson’s with life-enhancing support and services.
Fund Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses
$90,000
Will fund our commitment to a Local Health District to share the cost of placing a Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse in a rural community for one year.
$180,000
Will fund a Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse in a community of need for a full year.
$7,500
Funds co-shared costs of a Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse in a community for one month.
Support community health professional education
$10,000
Will fund in-house training for 300 health professionals and support workers on the unique needs of residents living with Parkinson’s in 20
Residential Aged Care facilities.
$6,000
Enables Parkinson’s NSW to host a community Education Seminar in a regional or rural location by bringing the specialists to the community to share practical information on Parkinson’s and provide avenues to support regardless of location.
$2,200
Funds an Education Seminar for 8 people who have been newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s accompanied by their loved ones to learn from specialists more about Parkinson’s, what a diagnosismeans, and the recommended early interventions for optimum health.
Help to fund the Parkinson’s Health Line
$3,500
Will give 100 people access to the Registered Nurses and Allied Health professionals who staff the Parkinson’s Health Line.