Parkinson’s disease is one of the more common neuro-degenerative disorders, largely affecting individuals in the middle and later years of life. Approximately 27,000 Victorians live with this progressively disabling condition and its impact is felt by many more.
Parkinson’s (PV) is an organisation working to raise awareness and seek funding for research and support
services for those affected by the disease. A number of Glenferrie Rotarians have been impacted by Parkinson’s and the club has been involved with PV for many years, in particular raising funds at the annual Parkinson’s Walk in the Park each August. This event was enthusiastically adopted by club members who volunteered to fund raise by serving sausages to the many walkers or were participants in the Walk.
services for those affected by the disease. A number of Glenferrie Rotarians have been impacted by Parkinson’s and the club has been involved with PV for many years, in particular raising funds at the annual Parkinson’s Walk in the Park each August. This event was enthusiastically adopted by club members who volunteered to fund raise by serving sausages to the many walkers or were participants in the Walk.As with many events, the COVID-19 pandemic forced PV to reconsider its means of fund raising. In 2020, the Walk in the Park was cancelled and PV created an online event entitled 27ForParkinson’s, which involved participants to register through a dedicated portal, and obtain sponsorship from friends and family. The latest lockdown has again forced the Walk to be cancelled. So, Glenferrie Rotary will take part in the 2021 27ForParkinson’s free online event with a team entitled the Glenferrie Rotary Harriers. In last week's Bulletin, our members were invited to participate in this event and/or make a donation.
So join our team and for 27 days from 01 October walk, run, cycle, work out (or abstain from alcohol perhaps) on behalf of the Parkinson’s community. Alternatively, you can sponsor an individual team member or the team. It is easy to join up or donate: just go to www.27forparkinsons.org.au/fundraisers/glenferrierotaryharriers, follow the instructions, promote your page to your friends and family members or make a donation. Once you start your campaign on 01 October, you can monitor your progress and update your supporters. 
And who was Parkinson? Whilst many of us will recognise the symptoms of this disease, few will be aware of Dr James Parkinson’s many achievements. Born in 1755 in London he became a surgeon in 1784 and was politically active as a strong advocate for the underprivileged, campaigning for radical social reforms and universal suffrage. In 1817, he published a 66 page booklet entitled “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” describing the shaking palsy or paralysis agitans which is now referred to as Parkinson’s disease.
There is still no lasting cure for Parkinson’s disease and the importance of funding to conduct research is vital. Glenferrie Rotarians are invited to continue their good work by registering to do their part.
