For this year’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month campaign, we were thrilled to have the support of so many fundraisers hosting events and coming up with creative ideas to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research. One of these was Box 4 Parkinson’s, a TEAM GAUCI Charity Group Boxing Session for Parkinson’s at Bondi Boxing Club. We spoke to the event organisers Angela and Dillon about their commitment to Parkinson’s and advice for others looking to make a difference.

Hi Angela and Dillon! Can you tell us a bit about the Box 4 Parkinson’s event?

We started Box 4 Parkinson’s in 2022 with huge success and support. Boxing coach Dillon Gauci has seen first-hand the benefits of non-Contact boxing. Boxing has been proven to build strength, speed, flexibility, endurance, balance, footwork and delay the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Boxing provides repetition, complexity and forced exercise – the combination of all three of these creates neuroplasticity which is what helps relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

The boxing charity event is a group boxing session, learning basic to intermediate techniques.

We also host the event to bring people together – not only to train but to network with like-minded individuals, and a way to help raise funds and awareness of the importance of health, nutrition and keeping active.

What drives your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s?

Angela’s mother was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease eight years ago at the age of 62. Her diagnosis dramatically changed her life. It has been hard to watch someone you love affected by this cruel and debilitating disease. More and more Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day, so the more we can do now, the more we can help to treat and hopefully find a cure for the disease.

We chose to fundraise for Shake It Up Australia with Box 4 Parkinson’s because we loved that 100% of all donations go directly to research to find a cure.

What were some of the highlights of the event?

The positive energy, support, the generosity of everyone involved and meeting new people, hearing their own stories dealing with the disease.

The team on the day brought the energy and had the best time. Before the event some didn’t know anything about Parkinson’s disease. We can’t wait to bring the Box 4 Parkinson’s event to a bigger audience next year!

Why do you think it’s important to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease does not discriminate, it is the second most diagnosed neurological disease. Once a disease that many thought only the elderly would get, it is progressing more and more with younger Australians diagnosed every day.

What words of advice do you have for others hoping to make a difference in their community?

There are so many ways you can make a difference. Host your own fundraiser, become a sponsor, volunteer, and donate to Shake it up!

Finding a cure is a team effort.

Videos: Danny Kamel from DK Creative
Photography : Jarrod Martins
Follow Dillon Gauci @dillongauciofficial
Follow Angela at BC Talent Agency @bctalentagency_
Follow Bondi Boxing Club @bondiboxingclub

Get your ticket for the 2024 event!

Your ticket proceeds go to Shake it Up Australia and include :
45min Group boxing session
Goodie bag
Morning tea
Pre-workout/Protein stand
Prizes to be won

Make a difference this April for Parkinson’s Awareness Month by participating in fundraising and hosting a #Pancakes4Parkinsons event!