Stacey Rae takes on the Himalayas trek for Parkinson’s research

Friday, 7th March 2025

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This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the strength and determination of women making a difference—like Stacey Rae, who is taking on an incredible challenge to support Parkinson’s research.

In April, Stacey will embark on a 15-day trek through the Himalayas, reaching altitudes of up to 6,000 metres to raise funds for  Shake It Up. Stacey, a former professional dancer and member of the dance medicine science community, is using her passion for movement to inspire others affected by Parkinson’s.

She shared her journey with us—including the inspiration behind her trek, the challenges she’s overcome, and why she chose to Shake It Up.

Please tell us all about your fundraising challenge

For the first time ever, I’ve attempted to fundraise—not only has it been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I’ve been included in many events created by the Trek Ready Himalayas group, collaborating with Australian and international businesses and brands.

My challenge is about inspiring people—especially those who have lost a loved one to Parkinson’s or are struggling to show up for their rehabilitation. It takes courage, grit, and determination to keep going, and I wanted to create a live event to reflect that.

I have a professional background in dance, film, television, and the arts, and I’m a member of the dance medicine science community, which uses dance and music in recovery from injury or illness. I believe creativity is essential to achieving a positive outlook, especially when dealing with the cognitive decline Parkinson’s can bring.

I’ve been so lucky to have support from Las Vegas show sponsors, including the same production that first put me on stage as a solo artist—on the same stage that Elvis first performed on in Las Vegas—in a show produced by Adam Steck.

I’ve also collaborated with brands to create shirts showcasing current live events, combining my passion for the arts with fundraising. Maybe you can create your own shirts too—whether it’s a butterfly, a paw print, a love heart, or angel wings—whatever inspires you.

This trek is about mates helping mates from all over the world. It’s 15 days in Nepal’s Annapurna region, climbing to altitudes of 6,000 metres. If I can do this with the injuries I’ve had, I hope it inspires my community—family and friends worldwide—to keep striving for their goals, big or small. Even if it’s not a Las Vegas show or a trek to Nepal, simply getting out of bed and showing up to a speech pathologist appointment is an achievement. There has to be a cure. I am doing this for you.

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

I want to be a part of the cure. Each person diagnosed with Parkinson’s has a story. Each person who has lost a loved one to this disease inspires me to keep pushing forward—to find ways in which the mind and body can heal.

I’m passionate about human movement science, and I’ve found a way to help—by bringing joy, laughter, and movement back into people’s lives.

The team of women on this trek also inspires me. 12 out of the 15 trekkers are women, and this isn’t glamping—we’re talking no showers, freezing temperatures, and high altitudes. This challenge made me reflect: when I was 30, my professional career ended, and I felt like my life was over physically. I even gave up on daily walks. Add illness or injury to that, and mentally, it’s tough to want to keep going.

These women push each other, support each other, and don’t let the challenges of illness, pain, or age stop them. Some shave their heads for a cure, some get down in the dirt, and all of them show up. That selflessness is magical to me.

It reminds me of Michael J. Fox—he kept showing up, even when it got tough. He created a foundation for research after being diagnosed at 29, when he could have easily given up. But he didn’t—he chose to help others. That commitment inspires me, and it’s why I won’t stop.

This charity is life-changing.

Why did you choose to support Shake It Up?

Because I love to shake things up—literally!

It wasn’t just the name that caught my attention; it was the commitment to science and research—for both the mind and body—that made me want to get involved. Shake It Up embraces people of all ages, backgrounds, and industries, creating community and connection.

Being a single woman at my age comes with stigma and judgment—people ask why I’m not married, what I’m doing with my life, what’s wrong with me. Shake It Up challenges those outdated beliefs. It shows people that you don’t have to fit into a box. Life happens on your own timeline, so shake it up and live it your way.

That’s also why I joined Trek Ready Himalayas and Silver Fox Initiative—they motivate people to set goals, push forward, and help others along the way.

I’ve been judged for being a dancer—leaving a double degree for the world stage, dedicating myself to an art form people don’t always respect. It’s a brutal industry, but dancers are resilient. We train like athletes, we perform for the world, and we pour our hearts into creating joy for others.

People assume things about you without knowing your dedication, discipline, or intelligence. I’ve been called names, underestimated, and misunderstood, but I won’t let judgment define me. That’s why I support Michael J. Fox, my fellow artists, and charities like Shake It Up—because we’re here to prove that passion, resilience, and selflessness matter.

What is your advice for others wanting to make a difference?

“Your story isn’t over yet.”

You are beautiful in your own right.

Even when it feels like it is, push through the barriers—whether it’s heartbreak, loss, illness, or judgment. Keep showing up. Keep helping others.

If you can’t lend a hand, lend a story. If you can’t lend a story, touch even one life in your own unique way. That’s how you create a ripple effect of kindness, strength, and inspiration.

Believe that you can make a difference. Smile along the way.

And don’t forget—your higher power has a great sense of humour. You have to hand Him that one. 😉