Rebecca’s Fight for a Parkinson’s Cure

Thursday, 13th November 2025

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In October 2025, Rebecca stepped into the ring for her first Pro-Amateur Boxing Fight. The event honoured the 20 years since her Dad’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, and the journey that her family had been on together in the two decades that followed. It also gave Bec a unique opportunity to join an even bigger fight – the fight for a cure for Parkinson’s. Throughout the process she courageously shared her story, and raised vital community awareness about Parkinson’s disease, as well as more than $2,000 to contribute to Australian Parkinson’s research.

Bec, tell us about your incredible boxing challenge. How did it come about?

After recovering from an Achilles injury at the end of 2023, I started training with my amazing coach in both boxing and Muay Thai. After our second session together, he asked if I’d ever consider signing up for an actual fight.

Fast forward to a night out with a couple of my closest friends in October 2024, they wouldn’t stop telling me that I should step into the boxing ring and give it a go. At first, I brushed it off, but I woke up the next morning with a slightly wild idea that just wouldn’t’ go away.

I mentioned it to my coach the next day, and there was no turning back. I was in.

I didn’t want to step into the ring just for the sake of it. If I was going to do this, I wanted it to have purpose — and that’s where Executive Fighter came in. They’ve built something truly special: an eight-week program with incredible coaches that leads up to your first Pro-Amateur boxing match while raising funds for an amazing cause. Over those eight weeks, I met some truly inspiring people who were also throwing their hats in the ring, and training alongside them made the experience even more meaningful.

It became more than just stepping into the ring — it became about discipline, mindset, and pushing myself far beyond my comfort zone. More importantly fighting for something much bigger than myself

What was the experience like on the night? 

Fight night was an incredible experience — something I will NEVER forget. Surprisingly, I was calm and relaxed the whole day. It finally hit me when our group of fighters was introduced to the 350-strong crowd that had come out to support us and when I spotted my family and friends.

Walking into the ring under the lights, hearing the cheers, feeling that rush of adrenaline — it was surreal. All the early mornings, late-night sessions, and moments of doubt led to that one moment. Once the bell rang, everything else disappeared. It was just me, my opponent, and the months of work that had brought me there.

What motivated you to fundraise for Parkinson’s research at this event?

2025 marks 20 years since my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease — a condition that’s slowly taken away so many of the things he once loved. His independence. His ability to drive. His activeness. Spending time in his garden.

But not his spirit. Not his fight.

My dad has always been a proud, fiercely independent man — the kind who never wanted anyone to fuss over him. The kind who would quietly handle everything himself, even when things got tough.

Watching him face this battle with quiet dignity and relentless strength has changed me. It’s made me see courage in a whole new way, not in loud moments, but in the everyday ones. In the way he keeps going, even when everything is harder than it should be.

That’s why I wanted to fundraise for Parkinson’s research. Because my dad, and millions of others like him, deserve more than just to “cope” with this disease. They deserve hope. They deserve progress. They deserve a future where Parkinson’s doesn’t define their lives.

Why did you choose to support Shake It Up?

I chose to support Shake It Up Australia because their mission gives me hope. They’re dedicated to funding groundbreaking research right here in Australia, and what makes them truly special is that 100% of every donation goes directly to research. Even more inspiring, they’re partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, one of the world’s leading Parkinson’s research organisations. Together, they’re driving innovation, collaboration, and real progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

After 20 years of watching my dad live with Parkinson’s, I know how relentless this disease can be.

What does it mean to you to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s?

Slowing, stopping, and curing Parkinson’s means everything to me. It means giving people like my dad more years of independence.

Slowing Parkinson’s would mean easing the daily struggles that so many people quietly face. Stopping it would mean ending the fear of what tomorrow might bring. And curing it — that would mean freedom. It would mean giving back what this disease has slowly taken away from millions of families around the world.

I’ve learned that hope is powerful. Supporting research that could slow, stop, or cure this disease isn’t just about science — it’s about love, dignity, and the chance for families like mine to dream of a future without Parkinson’s.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to fundraise and make a difference?

My advice for anyone wanting to fundraise and make a difference is simple: Don’t just think about it — DO IT! You’ll be surprised at how many people will support you in whatever challenge or venture you take on to raise money and awareness for a cause close to your heart.

I was so lucky that when I told my family, friends, and coach about what I wanted to do, there was no hesitation or discouragement — only endless support and encouragement. I wouldn’t have been able to step in that ring without their 100% backing, and every single one of them showed up for me on the night — whether that was being there in person, sending constant messages of support leading up to the fight, right before it began, immediately after it ended, or in the days that followed, and so generously donating to the cause.

Fundraising can feel daunting at first, but once you start, you’ll see how many people want to help make a difference alongside you.

Every effort counts, and every bit of support makes a real impact for those affected by Parkinson’s.

You can donate to support Bec’s fundraiser here, or click below to find out how you can get involved to support our mission to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s.