Congratulations to Ian and Karen who were married end of September and kind-heartedly asked for donations to Shake It Up instead of gifts.

Their wedding was a beautiful day with friends and family. Very relaxed and special.

Friends and family gave generously and they raised $1,413.

What drives you commitment to a cure for Parkinson’s?

My aunt (and godmother) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010 and died in 2019. I was diagnosed almost exactly 8 years ago at Macquarie Uni Hospital Neurology Dept and I volunteered to participate in the MJFF PPMI trial. It was through that connection that I learnt about Shake It Up. Back in 2013 I met with Clyde and Carolyn and did a bit to help out with SIU. I love the concept of leveraging off MJFF to fund world class research in Australia without all the admin overheads.

What would a cure mean to you ?

As a participant in the PPMI trial, my data was analysed as part of the large cohort and, as a result, last year I was reclassified as a SWEDD (Subject Who Exhibits Dopamine Deficiency). i.e. I do not have full blown Parkinson’s. Not quite sure as to the long term consequences of this diagnosis but consider myself very lucky.  It is amazing how often I meet people who have been diagnosed with PD. We desperately need for a cure which would transform so many lives. Just halting the progression would be a huge win.

What advice do you have to others looking to fundraise for Shake It Up?

The hardest step is deciding to do something. It doesn’t have to be big – all help is worthwhile and valuable.