Raising awareness of Parkinson’s through Chris’ experience

Chris was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014.

To support his wellbeing he began attending regular exercise classes designed for fitness and active ageing, and has been exercising ever since.

Although Chris jokes that his favourite exercise is sleeping, he enjoys many types of exercise and has a weekly schedule of activities designed to get him moving, including ten pin bowling on Tuesdays and lawn bowls on Thursdays.

On the weekends he loves to spend time with his grandkids.

When Chris was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s he struggled with stereotypes and stigma.

“When I was first diagnosed I was embarrassed to tell people I had Parkinson’s, you know if I went out for dinner or something,” Chris said. 

“You wouldn’t go out because you’d find people looking at you, staring, and when you were trying to eat you couldn’t use a knife and fork and get it into your mouth, it was very embarrassing.

“But now I don’t care, I tell them what’s going on and people are very understanding.”

Chris’ experience shows why it’s so important to raise awareness around Parkinson’s disease, to support people with this diagnosis and reduce stigma in the community.

You can watch a video of Chris telling his story by clicking here.

For more information about Parkinson’s Disease or the support available, visit the Parkinsons Australia website here.