Pause 4 Parkinson’s this year had lots of very creative ideas come through for fundraising events! One great idea came from Fiona, who has previously been featured as a hero for running the City2Surf twice for Shake It Up. This year, Fiona put away her running shoes and decided instead to host a movie night at her local cinema where proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Shake It Up. The night was a huge success with $2,300 donated by friends and family while they enjoyed The Greatest Showman.
What Drives Your Commitment to find a cure for Parkinson’s?
I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s three years ago, at age 46. It came as a total shock after some restricted movement in my left arm. But I wanted to turn the negative into something positive so started looking into ways I could help with fundraising and research.
Why Shake It Up Australia?
I wanted to support an organisation focusing on Parkinson’s that was locally based but had a global impact, so Shake it Up was the obvious choice as soon as I read Clyde’s story. I was so impressed by what he had done and wanted to do my small part.
Tell us what you are doing/did to Shake Things Up?
My family and I did the City 2 Surf to fundraise for two years in a row, but I promised my boys I would do something different this year. So, I organised a movie night in April – a private cinema screening for Pause 4 Parkinson’s along with a raffle. The hardest part was picking a movie! I wanted something feelgood that most people would enjoy, so I decided on The Greatest Showman. If only Hugh had been available on the night? LOL
Greatest Reward?
Of course, the ultimate reward would be to find a cure for Parkinson’s – but in the meantime, I am happy to have all the amazing support of my family and friends.
Best advice for people looking to Shake It Up?
A particular quote struck me while I was making some big decisions around simplifying my life by moving and changing jobs last year to help manage my Parkinson’s.
‘Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have – and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up’.
So my advice would be to take one step at a time, keep things in perspective – and just go ahead and make that change or difference!
Learn how you can get involved this April but hosting your own event for Pause 4 Parkinson’s.
