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Dean leads his crew in the endeavor

Struck with an unexpected blow, recounts Dean, as he reflects on his New Year's Day run in 2013. That's when he noticed his right hand quivering, initially dismissing it as insignificant. However, a deep-rooted sense of unease gnawed at him. By June, his fears were confirmed - he was diagnosed...

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Experienced a shocking revelation, recalls Dean. During his New Year's Day run in 2013, he realized...
Experienced a shocking revelation, recalls Dean. During his New Year's Day run in 2013, he realized his right hand was uncontrollably shaking. Despite initial hopes, an ominous sense of fear gripped him. By June, he received a distressing diagnosis - Parkinson's disease. At just 52 years old. "I was struck hard by this realization."

Dean leads his crew in the endeavor

A year that started with a trivial tremble transformed into a life-altering diagnosis for Dean in 2013. The normally fit and active 52-year-old, out for his regular run on New Year's Day, found himself grappling with an incurable disease: Parkinson's.

Initially, Dean tried to tough it out, maintaining his usual routines while battling tremors and increasing fatigue. But as the reality of his condition struck, he realized he needed help to manage his everyday challenges.

Seeking guidance and support, Dean reached out to Parkinson's NSW. The contact opened a door to a team of registered nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals who specialize in neurological disorders.

This team provided tailored exercise programs and regular massages to combat the physical symptoms of Parkinson's, helping Dean maintain his fitness, strength, and balance. As his voice weakened and swallowing became difficult, speech therapy became essential.

Crucially, the team also aided Dean in securing funding through the NDIS for ongoing assistance from various professionals, ensuring his quality of life would not decline. This support costs around $400 a week, a sum Dean would have struggled to afford otherwise.

Parkinson's NSW offers more than just practical help. They provide a platform for individuals to expand their knowledge and understanding of Parkinson's, guiding them through available therapies and strategies to navigate the challenges of the disease. They also actively engage other healthcare professionals and care workers in their educational initiatives.

Six years down the line, Dean's story serves as a testament to the power of community support. In 2021, he ran a marathon to raise funds for Parkinson's NSW as his way of giving back.

For those wishing to support Dean and Parkinson's NSW, donations can be made via their Pitch in for Parkinson’s page:

https://www.pitchinforparkinsons.org.au/event/dean-team/home

Numerous resources are available for people suffering from Parkinson’s, including exercise programs tailored to their needs, speech therapy services, funding assistance, and educational materials provided by specialized organizations, local support groups, and healthcare providers. These resources, when accessed and utilized effectively, can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s.

  1. Dean's journey with Parkinson's led him to seek support from the scientific community, specifically organizations like Parkinson's NSW, that specialize in health support for medical-conditions like neurological disorders.
  2. As part of his health and wellness regime, Dean underwent various therapies and treatments, such as fitness-and-exercise programs, massages, and speech therapy, to manage the physical symptoms of his Parkinson's.
  3. Recognizing the financial burden of managing a condition like Parkinson's, the team at Parkinson's NSW helped Dean secure funding through the NDIS, ensuring he could afford the necessary mediycal-care and therapies-and-treatments.
  4. Beyond practical help, Parkinson's NSW also offers educational resources on Parkinson's, mental-health support, and strategies to navigate the challenges of the disease, all aimed at improving the overall health-and-wellness of those affected by it.

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