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A life fully lived, a legacy with purpose: Jennifer & John Kruger
Wednesday, 27th August 2025
When Jennifer Kruger met her husband, John, at a Valentine’s Day party, it was a chance encounter that changed her life forever.
“I had avoided marriage due to fear of loss, but John wasn’t having any of that. Gently persistent, he got me to the altar in six months,” she recalls. “My father’s death had taught me that life can change in a moment, and I didn’t want to waste time in experiencing as much as I could.”
John was kind, clever, and fun — “the icing on my life’s cake,” Jennifer says. “Everyone was drawn to him”.
Together the couple built a joyful life full of adventure, travel, and shared passions. But in what felt like the blink of an eye, everything changed.
“My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005, ten years into our very happy marriage. He was just fifty-seven and busy with demanding businesses. Having his diagnosis of PD confirmed was a shock. John was slim, athletic, regularly played competition tennis, surfed, ran half-marathons and rode his bike. As a pharmacist he also knew the value of staying healthy.”
For Jennifer, Parkinson’s was an unfamiliar disease: “I knew next to nothing about Parkinson’s except that it caused tremor and, while John had dispensed medication to PD patients, he probably knew not a lot more. What we did know however, was that this was a journey we would face together no matter what challenges lay before us.”
Despite the diagnosis, the couple lived fully. “We made the most of our time and travelled to every corner of the world. We drove throughout Europe, returning time and again to our favourite parts of Italy, and always country England. Then, as the disease progressed, cruising was an easier option.”
Jennifer reflects that John’s fitness and determination helped him face the condition. “Perhaps the fact my husband was so fit when he was diagnosed and kept exercising as long as possible, helped him manage as well and as long as he did.”
But the progression was heartbreaking. “We loved each other deeply and for me that was the source of both strength and despair. For while John was always stoic and never complained, it was agony, as time went on to watch my dear husband’s deterioration. After five years, DBS was recommended, but it was not without risks and challenges we hadn’t foreseen. John was a fighter though, and so was I, and eventually love again helped us through that very difficult time.”
After fifteen years of caring for John, Jennifer faced the painful decision to place him in residential care. “I was with him every day, took him home or out, and cooked him the meals he liked – but was never free of guilt.”
Her beloved husband passed away on 8 August 2022. “When John was in hospital, his last conscious words were to ask a nurse to call and ‘make sure Jennifer got home alright.’ We loved and cared for each other till the end.”
The couple first connected with Shake It Up around 2014. “We both felt a strong desire to contribute to Parkinson’s research and felt reassured that Shake It Up was the only foundation outside of the US partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Also, its founder, Clyde Campbell, had been diagnosed with PD, and as a successful businessman he was able to cover all administration expenses for SIU so that every dollar donated went to research.”
Jennifer saw Shake It Up as a trusted steward for their contributions. “With PD now the neurological disease with the fastest growing prevalence and disability factor, I wish to acknowledge and sincerely thank Clyde for the inspiring role he has played in providing an effective ‘clearing house’ as it were, where various research studies are carefully considered to ensure donations are directed to where they will be most effective.”
She herself also became actively involved. “In my own small way, I have tried to assist in some of those projects, firstly by volunteering in control groups, and then, after discovering that almost 70% of research projects don’t go ahead due to lack of volunteers, I ended up talking to various groups like Probus, Lions etc in an attempt to make people more aware of how they could help.”
Today, Jennifer continues her commitment as part of Shake It Up’s Legacy League. “My husband and I have long had SIU as a major beneficiary of our estate, and now, as I’m in the position to make some more substantial ongoing donations, it is absolutely vital to know our funds are being utilised effectively and honestly. I feel reassured that SIU can be trusted to allocate and monitor all projects they fund to achieve the goal we all seek: to slow, or hopefully prevent, this devastating disease.”
Jennifer remains hopeful for the future of Parkinson’s research: “My deepest desire is to see a world where PD won’t have the same catastrophic effects it has now. Hopefully a cure, or at least a way to ameliorate the worst symptoms.”
As she reflects on her journey, she also considers how best to honour the community of families like hers who have been affected. Perhaps a ‘wall’ where supporters’ names can be inscribed. Or better still, a footpath in some prominent site, perhaps the Botanical Gardens, etched with the names of donors. “I have John’s ashes at home, but a footpath would give a common spot to come to reflect and pay homage to those we have lost. Maybe even meet up on World Parkinson’s Day, as only others who have been on this same hard, sad journey really understand.”
Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, devotion, and generosity. Through her contributions, she is ensuring that John’s legacy — and their love — lives on in the progress of Parkinson’s research, and in the hope of a future free from the disease.
Leaving a gift to Parkinson’s research is a lasting and meaningful way to advance treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s. Not only will your gift help the 200,000 Australian’s living with Parkinson’s, it will also leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Learn more about joining the Shake It Up Parkinson’s Legacy League.