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This Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Tony Watt and Wendy Kretschmer are combining passion, purpose, and photography to light the way for Parkinson’s research. Through their incredible journey The Adventure Is Bright, they are raising both funds and awareness for Shake It Up Australia, proving that even in life’s toughest moments, there is always adventure, hope, and connection to be found.
We spoke to Tony and Wendy about their unique fundraiser and what inspires their mission.
Tell us all about your fundraising challenge.
“We’re currently traveling around some of Australia’s most remote coastlines on The Adventure Is Bright—raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research through Shake It Up Australia.
As we travel, we’re visiting lighthouses—beacons of hope, strength, and resilience. Much like the Parkinson’s community, they guide and inspire us, lighting the path toward a brighter future for everyone living with Parkinson’s.
This April, in honour of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we launched the Post a Photo for Parkinson’s campaign. It’s simple but powerful: every day in April, we share a photo from our travels—past or present—and invite others to do the same using the hashtag #PostAPhotoForParkinsons.
Whether it’s from your daily walk, backyard, or your own adventure, we believe a single photo can spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire others to reconnect with the things that bring them joy—like photography, exploring the outdoors, or simply moving more. Every image helps shine a light on Parkinson’s and the need for continued research and support.”
What inspires your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s research?
“We believe that research is the key—to better treatments, to better lives, and ultimately, to a cure.
That belief fuels our commitment to raise both awareness and funds, because real change demands both.
Every dollar raised, every photo shared, every story told—each brings us one step closer to a future where Parkinson’s no longer defines or limits anyone.
Until that day comes, Parkinson’s remains a part of our daily life—but it doesn’t define us.
If anything, it has given us even greater purpose: to keep moving, to keep exploring, and to keep showing that life, even with Parkinson’s, can still be full of adventure, connection, joy, and meaning.”
Why did you choose to support Shake It Up Australia?
“We proudly support Shake It Up because they are doing something extraordinary: 100% of donations go directly to Parkinson’s research. No administration fees. No middlemen. Just real, measurable impact.
Their partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation ensures that the research they fund is world-class and focused on accelerating breakthroughs.
Their mission aligns perfectly with ours: to push forward, faster, toward a cure.”
What advice would you give others wanting to make a difference?
“Start small. Start where you are.
Take a walk. Share a story. Post a photo. Flip a pancake. Host a morning tea. Whatever feels right for you—just start. And be proud of every step you take.
Most importantly, connect.
Reach out to a local support group—or create one. Your involvement can change lives, including your own.
And if you can, get involved in research. Your experience, your voice—it matters.
Together, we can light the way toward a brighter future for everyone living with Parkinson’s.”
Inspired by Tony and Wendy’s journey?
You can help light the way forward. Every donation, every conversation, and every step counts towards a future without Parkinson’s. Adventure awaits—and so does the cure.