Walking for Parkinson’s
As president of Parkinson's NSW - which aims to give counselling and support to sufferers - John Silk plans to walk in this year's Unity Walk for Parkinson's on Sunday, August 30 at Sydney Olympic Park.
CHANTAL ABITBOL
FOR years, John Silk misread the signs. He couldn’t explain his problem walking or his lack of balance, or why his joints hurt so much that he couldn’t write his name or clean his teeth.
Finally, at age 66, Silk got a grim diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease. A chronic progressive and incurable disease, it is the second most common neurological condition in Australia – second only to dementia. It affects about 80,000 Australians and an estimated six per cent of Jewish residents at Sydney’s Montefiore Home.
“I was in a bit of shock,” said Silk, now 73, who takes a cocktail of medications six times a day to slow down the progression of the disease. “It’s a regime you have to live with. I have to time my life around medication.”
But he’s not giving in. As president of Parkinson’s NSW – which aims to give counselling and support to sufferers – he plans to walk in this year’s Unity Walk for Parkinson’s on Sunday, August 30 at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Unity Walk was first established in New York in 1994 with a turnout of only 300 participants. Sydney’s inaugural Unity Walk, which took place in August 2008 and spanned four kilometres around Sydney Olympic Park, attracted about 1000 participants and raised more than $100,000.
Silk said organisers are hoping to top last year’s record – with all proceeds going towards research and supporting people with Parkinson’s and their families.
Silk said people with Parkinson’s often face physical and psychological challenges, in addition to incurring financial and economic costs. Some also suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
His advice: don’t be afraid to ask for help. “The more they talk about it, the better it is for themselves and everybody,” he said. “Help is available at Parkinson’s NSW in a non-obtrusive way. Counselling and information is free.”
Enquiries: Parkinson’s NSW (02) 8875 8900 or visit: www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au. Registrations are available at www.unitywalk.com.au.
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