Our hero this week is Belinda who participated in Run Melbourne to honour her Dad who lived with Parkinson’s before he passed away in 2015. Seeing her Dad deal with the everyday challenges that Parkinson’s presents inspired her to continue the fight in his memory, and ensure better outcomes for others diagnosed.

What Drives my Commitment

Without a doubt my love for my Dad. A strong and selfless man that never complained. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years before he passed in 2015. Parkinson’s disease made our life hell, it took everything from my Dad except his enormous heart but in the process, it broke mine. I could not stand to see someone else lose their dignity the way my Dad did. I will continue to fight in his memory to ensure a more positive outcome for other people diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Why Shake It Up Australia

It was an easy choice for me. It is an Australian based company that puts 100% of my donations into medical research to find a cure for Parkinson’s. They also give me a platform to share my story, heal my grief and educate others that Parkinson’s is so much more than just the shakes.

Tell us what you are doing to Shake Things Up

I participate in Run Melbourne and have done so every year since Dad passed. I’m not a runner but Dad always said I could do anything I put my mind to, so I thought what better time to prove him right and raise some funds for such an important cause in the process.

Greatest Reward

The whole process has been so rewarding. The support from family and friends has been overwhelming. The sense of community and the opportunity to give back have also been a massive reward.

Best advice to others looking to Shake It Up

Take all of your anger, fear, sadness and just do it, you won’t regret it. Start with the conversation. While there is the perception out there that Parkinson’s is just the shakes people won’t understand why it is so important to raise funds. So have those hard conversations because hopefully one day it will mean someone else won’t have to.

Learn more about how you can get involved and help shake things up for a cure. There are lots of events around the country that you can participate in for Shake It Up.

Together we can make a difference!