Live Brave – Psychosocial Supports | Mary Kay Walker

[Melissa McConaghy]

Thank you MK. Such an important area of work. Thank you for being part of INSIGHT.

To the audience, if you have any questions or comments for the presenter or INSIGHT team here, please post them here.

[Mary Kay WALKER]

Thank you, Mel for offering Parkinson’s NSW to be part of the Insight Summit this year.

[Susan Sorensen]

Such an uplifting conversation- my partner was diagnosed with PD last year at age 59 and is still in the realm of not taking control and not wanting to know and stopping his interactions with his soccer team mates since August last year and not wanting me to tell anyone. He is however still able to live independently at this point. For my own ability to come to terms with the different path of life we now have, I have had to speak with others. Luckily, I researched and found our local support group led my the most amazing and caring Dot Waterhouse in our area via last years Parkinson Day which was added to the local council’s monthly newsletter. I have been to each type of support group event she has had on offer since and I am currently in the learn all about it phase – it was through Dot that I learnt about PD Warrior and this insightful conference.

‘Taking control of your Parkinson’s by being aggressively active’ is a great mantra!

[Mary Kay WALKER]

Thanks, Susan for sharing your journey and your experience with your partner. Social interaction is so important for both the person with Parkinson’s and their Carers/ family. That it so good that you are finding good support with your local Parkinson’s Support Group – so important. Please also feel free to reach out to Parkinson’s NSW any time you feel the need to talk or have any questions.

[deb Hughes-Cable]

Agree with Susan. That was fabulous. Positivity and drive to live Brave, carer and person with Parkinson’s alike.

[Mary Kay WALKER]

Thanks, Deb for your comments.

[Gunilla Beard]

I love all the activities you do in your community, singing, drumming, picnics, no judgement caretaker meetups, etc. Thank you for presenting!

[Mary Kay WALKER]

Thanks, Gunilla. Appreciate your comments and support of our activities.

[Joy Overs]

Thank you for restating the standout message to actively manage your Parkinson’s. Excellent presentation and sharing your journey will enable others to do the same.

[Mary Kay WALKER]

Thanks, Joy, for your comments. The Parkinson’s journey is not only the person living with Parkinson’s, but also the whole family, carers, friends and we’re all in it together!

[Vittorio Natalizio]

Thank you Mary Kay for sharing what your organization is doing to help people with Parkinson.

IT was good to hear other people’s journey with Parkinson and how brave they are.

Keep up the good work.!!!

[Mary Kay WALKER]

Thanks Vittorio. There are so many more people we need to help and reach out to and we’re working really hard to do so. Being visible on platforms such as this for our community is so beneficial.

[Maree Mielnik]

Thank you, Mary Kay and Vivian! This presentation was very empowering personally, as a PWP, and in regards to encouraging people recently diagnosed in my community.

[JULIE Correll]

Thank you for your very illuminating discussion concerning PD. I trained as an RN many years ago and I was very shocked to be diagnosed with PD 7 years ago. I am now nearly 75 years. One of the first things I did was to realise that I was so fortunate – I have a lovely husband and extended family, a house to live in, food to eat, clothes to wear and a group of lovely friends. What more could I need for life? This awareness has helped me through some tough days. Thank you for your comments.