Parkinson's NSW

As the fastest growing neurological condition globally, shining a light on Parkinson's disease is critical. Our CEO Mary Kay Walker and board Chair Rachel Tanny, GAICD did exactly that in the latest Engaging Conversations podcast that's just dropped. Hear what they have to say about access to services, the role of Government and specialised care for people with Parkinson's as well as support for carers, families and communities. https://lnkd.in/gRDGyxef

Can your phone and artificial intelligence track the progression of Parkinson's? Researchers say we’re on the cusp of a new era where physicians will personalise care, adjusting medications and pacemakers based on videos captured at home by patients that can be analysed by artificial intelligence (AI). Despite recent advancements in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, it remains a challenge to accurately measure the progression of symptoms. While noticeable symptoms like tremors, stiffness and slowing of movement can be observed, there have been few ways to quantify changes in symptoms outside of a clinical setting – up until now. Researchers at University of California San Francisco have developed a video-based analysis system enabled by machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence (AI), to quantify and validate motor symptom severity in patients with Parkinson’s. An interview was conducted with co-senior study authors Simon Little, MBBS, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Reza Abbasi-Asl, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology about the breakthrough and what role AI plays. Full interview and videos showing the AI translation of patient's movements are on our website https://lnkd.in/gzmge2Qg

Phil was only 46 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. For his wife Sue, the care and guidance she received will never be forgotten. "Parkinson’s NSW was there for me all the way through our whole journey. The Parkinson’s health team are so experienced and knowledgeable, even about specific things like medication side effects.” says Sue. It was this support that encouraged Sue to leave a gift in her will to our organisation. “Leaving a gift in my will just seemed a really nice way of doing it. I’ve got use of the money while I need it, but once I pass on, I can leave some to Parkinson’s NSW.” Generous bequests like these go beyond financial support - they show us that people truly value and believe in our mission. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us plan for the future, ensuring that we can continue to provide vital services and support to our Parkinson's community for years to come. Thank you Sue and everyone who chooses to make a difference in this way. Your generosity is deeply valued and will never be forgotten. If you or someone you know is considering including Parkinson's NSW in their Will, please visit https://lnkd.in/dWYR7UGn or call and speak to our Donor Development team on (02) 8051 1900

Craig Reichman may not consider himself an avid runner, but his dedication tells a different story. Earlier this month, Craig took on the 14-kilometre Sydney City 2 Surf to raise awareness of Parkinson's in support of his mother, Glenda, who has been living with Parkinson's disease for more than 15 years. Craig’s commitment was inspiring. "I did training runs twice per week, starting at 4 kilometres per week and adding one kilometre every week after that," said Craig. "This approach enabled me to reach my race goal of running sub-5 minute kilometres, meaning I could reach the finish line in 69 minutes". But Craig's story is more than just a personal achievement. Craig's dedication and generosity of spirit really paid off. It’s a testament to the power of community. Craig and his many supporters along with other runners raised over $17,000 for Parkinson's NSW, making our organisation the 44th most successful fundraiser in this massive event. To Craig and all the amazing supporters—thank you for your incredible efforts. You’re not just running a race; you’re making a real difference in the lives of people with Parkinson's 💜

Ryan Reynolds, actor and advocate, is part of an education campaign “More to Parkinson’s,” aimed at helping people better understand the disease. Ryan and his mother, Tammy, are sharing their personal story of his father's journey with Parkinson's disease by helping to shed light on two of the lesser-known symptoms of Parkinson's, hallucinations and delusions. "My father experienced hallucinations and delusions, and at the time, we didn't realize these symptoms were part of his Parkinson's disease. My mom tried to shield my family and carry the burden alone each day. I wish l'd known there was more to Parkinson's than motor symptoms, which is why l'm encouraging people and families affected by Parkinson's to talk early and often about hallucinations and delusions." - Ryan Reynolds, actor and advocate. https://lnkd.in/gAs-hn8H If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson's, you are not alone - we are here for you. Call our specialist InfoLine team on 1800 644 189 or visit our website for information and resources parkinsonsnsw.org.au/ Photo credit: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc

Our Fundraising Manager, Fiona Jessiman, was recently featured in a newsletter after sitting down for an interview with our accounting firm, Accounting For Good (AFG). AFG specialises in meeting the unique needs of the not-for-profit sector. They are our strategic partner in building and maintaining financial strategies that support our mission of delivering evidence-based information, advice and support services for people living with Parkinson's, their care partners and family members in NSW. The AFG interview brought up some interesting questions, including how to jointly manage the complexities of running multiple fundraising events, service provider relationships and print and digital media campaigns – all without losing sight of spend and return on investment. The newsletter article outlines approaches to meeting this challenge and many more. Well worth a read... https://lnkd.in/gxdU9TK3

⭐ Join our team! We are looking for two passionate and driven individuals to join our incredible team! If you're a fundraising legend looking to play a key part in building on existing programs, we'd love to hear from you. Individual Giving Officer https://lnkd.in/geKp2tJ9 Grant Writer https://lnkd.in/gJKyaVy5 #ParkinsonsNSW #JoinOurTeam #MakeADifference #fundraisingjobs

Good luck to everyone taking part in the City 2 Surf tomorrow. A special shout out to Craig, Shushann, Alyssa, the Movers and Shakers, Tracies Tribe, David S, Maria, Matt, Grace and Shulam who have collectively raised over $17,000 in support of people living Parkinson's 💜 We are proud and with you every step of the way. https://lnkd.in/gpu2YhDf

You're invited to our next Parkinson's and movement disorder information session to be held in Coffs Harbour NSW. This is person event is for people living with Parkinson's, family members, carers, health teams, care workers and anyone interested in knowing more about the fastest growing neurological disease globally. #parkinsons #education #coffsharbour

Some people just stand out in a crowd and Emma is one of them. Emma lives with both multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Despite living with these two highly debilitating, chronic conditions Emma leads a full life as the fully engaged mother of two young daughters and a tireless advocate for both the MS and Parkinson's communities. Thank you Emma for all you do for our community 💜