Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2024 – Our Top Fundraisers

Tristan Gives Parkinson’s the Axe

Raising over $10,000, Tristan was our top fundraiser for this year’s campaign, with his inspiring campaign to ‘Give Parkinson’s the Axe’. Having qualified for the 2024 International Axe Throwing Championship in Canada, Tristan is using this opportunity to raise awareness of Early Onset Parkinson’s as well as raising funds for research.

As a researcher himself, Tristan is passionate about the importance of research to provide hope for the future of all those living with Parkinson’s, and those yet to be diagnosed.

You can read our Q&A with Tristan here.

Steph hosts Good Vibrations ’24

Steph hosted a 5km fun run on Sunday14th April, ‘Good Vibrations ’24’, from Nobbys Beach to the Bar Beach Bowling Club to raise funds for Shake It Up.  One of the challenges for people living with Parkinson’s is the unpredictable nature of the disease and an ever-shifting treatment plan. Exercise is one of the most powerful treatments for Parkinson’s, but as Steph says – it can also be one of the most challenging. By putting on this event in honour of her mother, who lives with Parkinson’s, she aimed to inspire, engage and recognise those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Louise Capper Annual Fundraiser

Louise Capper was a long-time supporter of Shake It Up Australia and a deeply valued member of our community. Louise sadly passed away in 2023, after many years of supporting Parkinson’s Awareness Month through walking challenges and workplace events. Louise had told her fundraising teammate Zach and colleagues that she wanted to beat their fundraising record from last year and ‘go big’, so the team rallied the troops to do just that and launched the inaugural “Louise Capper Annual Fundraiser” with events around the country. They have certainly honoured Louise’s memory and achieved her goal, raising over $6,000 for much-needed research.

Catherine goes Pink for Parkinson’s

Catherine set a goal to reach $5,000 and pledged to dye her hair pink once she reached this target! Raising over $5,700 Catherine smashed this fundraising goal and showcased the new pink hair, writing on her fundraising page, “We are over the 5K goal and here it is!! Mum’s smile says it all.”

Emma’s Pink Pancakes & Prosecco

Our long-standing advocate and supporter Emma held a Pancakes for Parkinson’s fundraiser ahead of April, inviting family and friends for pancakes and prosecco around the pool, all while wearing pink. (She really nailed the ‘P’ for Parkinson’s theme!) Emma also engaged local businesses such as her local cafe Seventhwave Coffee & Tea and Christina Stephens, to host fundraising events for World Parkinson’s Day. In total Emma helped to raise over $4,600 for research.