Georgie hosts “Cupcakes for the Shakes” to support her Dad who lives with Parkinson’s. Since learning of her Dad’s diagnosis and more about the disease Georgie instantly wanted to help – “If it can help my dad, sign me up!” For Georgie getting involved and raising funds for research was a great way to make a better and longer future for her Dad. 

What Drives Your Commitment to find a cure for Parkinson’s?

My dad has Parkinson’s and since his diagnosis and learning more about the disease I wanted to help out. If it can help my dad, sign me up! The longer dad’s healthy and happy, the longer I’m happy!

Why Shake It Up Australia?

I looked into a couple PD foundations and found that Shake It Up has some great initiatives and the partnership with MJF (being such a leader in research) it was the most valuable and viable foundation. Mum also has done her fair share of research and we both really like the way SIU support PD.

Tell us what you are doing to Shake Things Up?

Literally – cutting shapes and shakes on the floor with dad! But, in the past, I’ve done some runs such as Bridge to Brisbane and recently held a ”Cupcakes for the Shakes” day at my work in NSW while my Mum and Aunty also did the same back home in QLD. It was such a success and combined we raised around $700.

Greatest Reward?

The greatest reward for taking part in these initiatives is knowing we’re closer to a cure and therefore I have a longer future with my dad. He truly is my best-pal and I can’t wait to continue to live my life with him, with the hope of a cure.  I’m very proud of dad and how he’s battled PD and am always excited to share his story – if anything, the clarification of his diagnosis gave me my happy, bubbly dad back and I can thank people like Shake It Up for their efforts of providing the chance of a positive future and support for sufferers. And of course.. seeing my parents experience life to the fullest together for as long as possible (lovebirds alert) is a reward in itself.

Best advice for people looking to Shake It Up?

Shake it like a polaroid picture – anything and everything helps! I also think education is key because it’s certainly more than just the shakes. Putting a positive and fun spin on an initiative also helps – if you’re smiling and a bit light-hearted about it, people are less scared to ask about PD and genuinely just want to have a good time.

Interested in hosting your own event for World Pause Parkinson’s? Learn how you can register your event