In July 2024, 30 fundraisers ran in the Gold Coast Marathon to raise more than $15,000 collectively for Parkinson’s research and Shake It Up. The top fundraising team for this year’s event was ‘The Boobalaga Bullets’, inspired by supporter Gemma O’Brien’s father, who lives with Parkinson’s, and three others who all grew up on Boobalaga Road and are now living with PD. We spoke with Gemma all about her half-marathon challenge and her motivation to make a difference.

Is this the first half-marathon you’ve completed?

This is the first half-marathon I have completed- and this is the first time my friends and I have joined to make the team “Boobalaga Bullets” and hopefully not the last time we rally together for a good cause. Having a solid support network is important and my mates have been there for me throughout my dad’s journey with Parkinson’s.

How have you trained for the race?

6 months ago I would not have considered myself a “runner” but I starting running to challenge myself and began to enjoy it and wanted to further challenge myself with a half marathon as the end goal- we had so much fun on the day!

What drives your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s?

Our drive for this fundraiser is my dad, his name is John. He is a stubborn farmer who never gives up and never wants anyone to worry about him. Not only have I noticed the debilitating changes that my dad is experiencing, but I am also an Occupational Therapist and work with many other patients experiencing the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

Why did you choose to raise funds for Shake It Up Australia?

As a team we decided to raise funds for Shake It Up as they are committed to continuing Parkinson’s disease research as there are limited treatment options and an abundance of Aussies living with with PD. To us it is too many, 200,000 too many to be exact, and we want to do our part in continuing the vital research for this cruel disease.

What is your advice for others hoping to make a difference for Parkinson’s?

Sometimes it can be difficult to support someone with a disease or illness. We feel helpless and want to change or ‘fix’ things for them but it is nearly impossible and is often out of everyone’s control and this feels unfair. But what we can do is contribute to research through fundraising and it’s a bloody good feeling knowing we can do that.

You can support Gemma and The Boobalaga Bullets here, or find an athletic event in your State to fundraise for Parkinson’s research.