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Linda puts the fun in fundraising for Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Thursday, 11th June 2026
From journeying through the Snowy Mountains in 2025, to handing out pancakes in Martin Place, punching with purpose at her boxing class or gathering friends and family together for a cause, Linda is a fundraising force to be reckoned with. Not only have her efforts helped to raise thousands of dollars that will go directly to game-changing Parkinson’s research, but she has also made lifelong connections in the Parkinson’s community, raised vital awareness about life with Parkinson’s and started important conversations.
We spoke with Linda about her journey, and why she is so passionate about doing her part to support research.
What first inspired you to support the Shake It Up Australia Foundation?
As a physio, I thought I knew about Parkinson’s. However, following my diagnosis I realised that I lacked a lot of information. When I searched for more answers I discovered that there was a need for more funding for research in Australia.
During this time, I came across lots of wonderful people, all struggling to deal with a myriad of symptoms. Inspired by Michael J. Fox, I learnt of Clyde Campbell’s journey to found Shake It Up Australia and partner with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I felt I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing, so I decided to do what I could to give back to the PD community, and this has been made possible by fundraising for Shake It Up Australia, and helping to change the way people think of the disease and raise awareness that it is the fastest growing neurological disease globally.
How has your community gathered around you to support Parkinson’s research?
I have been overwhelmed by the support from friends, colleagues, and my children’s friends – both known and those I have never even met, who, having been told of my diagnosis, have donated generously to the cause.
From the beginning, it showed me how important it was to be involved and to help raise the profile. People are really willing to listen, and then help in any way they can.
Hear Linda talk more about the importance of finding community on the Shake It Up Show podcast
What were the highlights of your fundraising ventures over Parkinson’s Awareness Month?
I held two fundraisers for Parkinson’s Awareness Month. One was for my community of boxers at KOPD, where we encourage people to donate and back themselves in the fight for a Parkinson’s cure. This is nothing different from what they do every day – to show up, be present, own the diagnosis, and get on with it.
They each chose something they wanted to improve during the month, and then rewarded both themselves and the Foundation by donating. Together we raised more than $2,600. The rewards were brilliant, and there were lots of laughs as the hard timed drills resulted in much sweating, grunting and groaning and added to the challenge!
My second fundraiser came from my love of cooking. It was my way to give back to my community of supporters, one of the biggest being my sister-in-law Keren, who hosted the lunch.
There were so many different people, from different walks of life, who had never met before sharing lunch with laughter and compassion. I shared not only my journey but also what my fellow Parkinson’s community experiences. We raised nearly double what I thought might be possible (another $2,000!) AND we had FUN.
The overwhelming message to me was that this was something I could do, and would continue to do.
Our mission is to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s disease. What would this mean to you?
If we can change even one person’s journey, to slow or potentially halt the disease, it would be worth it. I have had Parkinson’s for 7 years now, and over this time have felt it change my ability to multitask and write, while it makes me second guess my own ability and contributes to overwhelming fatigue. Physically, it has given me a tremor which one Christmas morning my little grandson begged me to make it stop. It has changed my balance, making me cautious of everything I previously wouldn’t have given a second thought to. Then there’s the constipation, which affects the absorption of the multiple medications you need to just get through the day.
The unseen side effects are more than just a nuisance. It is an ever-giving disease, where it seems every day presents with new challenges.
To slow and stop Parkinson’s would give me a glimmer of hope that going forward, I could continue to enjoy all that comes with family life, the delight at sharing milestones both big and small. It would mean not worrying how I will cope. It would be amazing to face a future without Parkinson’s as we know it now.
What is your advice for others wanting to fundraise for research, who aren’t sure how to get started?
Just throw yourselves in! Any amount is worth it. I have found that people are receptive and mostly interested and want to help. Choose something you enjoy and turn it into a FUNdraiser. For example, attending the Pancakes for Parkinson’s launch with Shake It Up raised lots of awareness and was fun, it was easy to engage with the community and it was generously supported by White Wings and Nutella. Anyone can create their own Pancakes for Parkinson’s event! Start with something fun and then watch the ideas flow.
Just by getting involved, it helps others but comes back in spades to help yourself too.
