Life doesn’t stop with Parkinson’s. But it does change.

Meet David.

Before Parkinson’s, David’s life was built around people and sport. Weekends were spent on the sidelines of local games, calling plays, encouraging players and catching up with mates afterwards. If he wasn’t playing, he was coaching. If he wasn’t coaching, he was staying connected. It was routine, identity and community all rolled into one.

The first signs were easy to overlook. A tremor in his hand. A slight change in the way he walked.

“Parkinson’s has a big disguise over its head,” David says. “If you just look on the surface, it’ll go straight by you.”

After years of subtle changes, David was diagnosed. Like so many people, he was left trying to understand what Parkinson’s would mean, not just for his health, but for the life he had built. Parkinson’s doesn’t arrive all at once. It’s progressive, gradually changing how people move, manage daily tasks and stay connected to what matters most.

Some days David moves freely. On others, everyday activities require careful planning and effort. Movements that were once automatic now need thought. Playing sport, refereeing and coaching from the sidelines became things he could no longer do.

“That’s the hardest part,” David says. “But I still go and see my mates. They take care of you, and that means a lot.”

Through it all, David’s wife Jenny has been beside him, adapting alongside him as life changed.

“Parkinson’s makes easy things hard,” she explains. “It’s the little things people don’t see, like opening a packet of biscuits or taking tablets. You’re always thinking ahead.”

David has something many people with Parkinson’s don’t - strong support. As symptoms progress, isolation can set in quickly. Confidence declines, social situations shrink, and life can become very small without help.

That’s where Parkinson’s NSW makes a real difference. Your gift helps fund specialist nurses, the InfoLine, counselling and support groups,  ensuring people don’t face Parkinson’s alone as their needs grow.

With the right support, David can stay connected, maintain his independence and keep showing up for life.

Please give today, because while Parkinson’s changes life, support changes everything. 

Make this tax time count

“Some days are fine. Other days, everything just takes more effort.”

David, 10 years living with Parkinson's.

A big thank you to our supporters

Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most, whether it's providing counselling, help on the Infoline or a visit from a Specialist Parkinson's nurse for someone with Parkinson's and their families.