Step out for Parkinson’s

Whatever your connection, walk for someone with Parkinson’s

Sunday 18th August, 2019 at 11.00am

MFB Firefighter Steve Watts is the face of A Walk in the Park 2019, Parkinson’s Victoria’s annual fundraising event, highlighting that Parkinson’s also affects people still working and raising their families while adapting to a progressive and lifelong chronic condition.

Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurological condition that affects control of body movement. Motor symptoms include slowed movement, stiff muscles, tremor and postural changes. Non-motor symptoms may include pain, depression, cognitive and functional changes, speech and sleep difficulties.

As Australia’s largest community event dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s, A Walk in the Park brings together thousands of people from all walks of life including those living with Parkinson’s, their families, friends, carers and healthcare professionals.

The flagship Melbourne Walk, now in its 11th year, is supported by seven regional walks around Victoria between August and October.

“The Walk is important on many levels,” said Parkinson’s Victoria CEO Emma Collin.

“It creates a sense of belonging for people living with Parkinson’s, of being part of a community who understand and support each other. It also improves community awareness of the condition and raises vital funds so that we can continue to deliver our much valued services and support.

“Parkinson’s Victoria relies on fundraising and donations to deliver its world’s best practice multidisciplinary approach to health education, information and support services for those living with Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s conditions.

“Community-based fundraising through events such as A Walk in the Park are now more important than ever as changes to Government funding models mean Government funds are no longer keeping up with the ever increasing demand for our services.”

The Walk

The walk offers two leisurely, non-competitive routes of either 2km or 4km, along the banks of the picturesque Yarra River. Both are mobility friendly. Participants set off from Federation Square at 11.00am.

A range of fun, family activities are held from 9.30am prior to the walk setting off, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for thousands of enthusiastic participants.

Participants will receive a walk bib, on which they can personalise their reason for walking, and a medal to recognise their support of A Walk in the Park and to serve as a personal reminder of this special event.

Every dollar raised through A Walk in the Park helps to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s in Victoria, and advance the search for a cure, providing hope for now and help into the future.

Parkinson’s Victoria’s A Walk in the Park
Sunday 18 August, 2019
Federation Square, Corner of Swanston and Flinders Street, Melbourne
Entertainment from 9.30am
The Walk commences at 11.00am

Registration:

$45 adult
Senior/Concession $30
Children 5-15 years $15
Children under five free
Dogs $10

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s affects everyone differently and symptoms vary between individuals. The condition cannot be cured, nor progression halted. Medication and treatment options focus on symptom management to improve quality of life.

Parkinson’s impacts adults of all ages. It is most common in people aged 65 years and over, although younger people can be diagnosed. The condition progresses slowly and it may take years for symptoms to impact a person’s daily life.

Atypical Parkinson’s are rare conditions that initially present like Parkinson’s, but which have different causes, symptoms and rates of progression. They include Progressive Supra-Nuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Cortico Basal Syndrome (CBS).

Key statistics

80,000 people in Australia are living with Parkinson’s
27,000 people in Victoria are living with Parkinson’s
30 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s in Australia every day
6.3 million people worldwide are affected by Parkinson’s

About Parkinson’s Victoria

Parkinson’s Victoria is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation raising awareness and funds for services and research that improves the quality of life for 27,000 people living with Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s conditions across the state.

Our multi-disciplinary health team provides specialist advice and support to people living with Parkinson’s, their families, carers and health care professionals through:

tailored health education programs and seminars
a free and confidential health information service
comprehensive web-based information
an extensive Peer Support Group network across the state

Parkinson’s Victoria is committed to supporting vital research into effective treatments that improve the quality of life for people living with the condition, and for the pursuit of a cure.

More information - www.parkinsonsvic.org.au