In her early 50s, Wendy, a dedicated schoolteacher and busy mum, started feeling unusually tired. She lost weight without trying, and a cold she caught on holiday simply wouldn’t go away. Her doctor eventually delivered the news no one wants to hear: “I think it’s Parkinson’s.” 

Wendy was shocked, as was her husband and their teenage children. Life had always been full and fast-paced. But suddenly, Wendy was the one who needed support. That’s when she turned to Parkinson’s NSW. 

“I went to an information day and I was so impressed,” Wendy recalls. “I knew this was an organisation that knew what they were talking about. I’ve been in touch with them ever since.” 

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It brings fear, uncertainty, and often a deep sense of isolation. At Parkinson’s NSW, we are here to change that experience, to be a support crew for people like Wendy and their families. 

From practical services and information to compassionate guidance and connection, we give people what they need to find a path forward. No one should have to face Parkinson’s alone and thanks to generous supporters, they don’t have to. 

Parkinson’s is one of the most common neurological conditions in our community and unfortunately, it’s on the rise. It’s also deeply misunderstood. Wendy was surprised to learn how varied and complex the symptoms can be, ranging from tremors and movement issues to brain fog, anxiety, speech difficulties and more. 

Having Parkinson’s has changed Wendy’s outlook in many ways, she says. In 2023, she and her husband went on a long overseas holiday together. As she says,“If something comes up, I try to do it immediately. I don’t wait for later.” 

She’s also keen to do everything she can to give back to the Parkinson’s NSW community, including taking on the Step Up for Parkinson’s challenge in May. 

Please help Parkinson’s NSW to keep supporting people like Wendy to navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s in the years ahead. Donate below.