Every year, we have so many creative community fundraisers for Pause 4 Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s Awareness Month. We love seeing the different ways people choose to make a difference for Parkinson’s – and this year we wanted to highlight the Portraits 4 Parkinson’s campaign, started by Belinda Chalmers from BAC Photography. 

For the whole of April, Belinda has been raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. We spoke to her about Portraits 4 Parkinson’s and why she is passionate about making a difference.

Hi Belinda! Can you tell us about Portraits 4 Parkinson’s?

Portraits 4 Parkinson’s is a collaboration of Australian photographers that have come together during April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month, to raise much needed funds to support cutting-edge research in the quest for a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

I created Portraits 4 Parkinson’s as a way to help me raise more money for Shake It Up Australia. I donate myself but wondered if I could help to raise more money and awareness through my business – BAC Photography. I have been in business over 12 years and have helped many charities along the way with similar projects.

What drives your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s research?

My father was diagnosed over 27 years ago now and has been living with this very debilitating disease. He has struggled for years with Parkinson’s but is also very grateful that he has had a slow decline.

Unfortunately, Parkinson’s is on the rise, so the more we can do now to help prevent and treat this condition the better.

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

I like that Shake It Up Australia is in affiliation with the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Not only is it great to be sharing research between the continents but I know that both charities are in support of finding new ways to deal with Parkinson’s that are not just pharmaceutical interventions.

What words of advice do you have for others hoping to make a difference for Parkinson’s?

Every little helps. Whether we make our goal or not, people will notice and start to be aware… and we will be back next year to help raise money and awareness again.

How can people get involved with Portraits 4 Parkinson’s?

Just head to our page to make a donation and show your support. For those that donate $50 or more, our group of amazing photographers are offering a complimentary portrait session within their service areas. One image from every session will feature in our exclusive, Portraits for Parkinson’s coffee table book.