Parkinson’s sufferers should not be treated differently

Today I want to tell the readers about something very close to my heart, namely Parkinson’s disease.

I am currently 36 years old and was diagnosed in February 2009.

To be diagnosed with something like this is one of the most devastating things that can happen to anyone, as there is currently no known cure.

By the grace of God I received groundbreaking treatment which, although it offers only good symptomatic relief, is still not a cure.

But I am making it, because I decided to fight this head-on.

In South Africa, there are currently a lot of people living with the disease who are not as fortunate as I have been.

There are so many people who have symptoms they can’t control and are too ashamed to talk about them.

This happens because a lot of times somebody who has PD is called disgusting names and labelled as an alcoholic because of uncontrollable tremors, slowness of movement, postural instability and so forth.

This then leads to other conditions, such as depression and a feeling of worthlessness.

But, to all Parkinson’s patients I would like to say that this is not true. You are special and unique.

You can change the world if you don’t give up. A great help is to join or offer support to the Parkinson’s Association of South Africa.

They work tirelessly in order to bring hope and raise awareness.

So, today, I would like to take a bold step and ask anyone and everyone to make a donation during the month of April to PASA (Parkinson’s Association South Africa).

This money will go towards raising awareness and bringing hope to those who need it.

People who would like to donate can contact Karin Willemse on 084 650 6500, or go to www.parkinsons.co.za for banking details.

As I am typing this letter I have extreme pain and rigidity in my hands, but I have decided: “I have Parkinson’s – it does not have me!”

Thank you so much to everyone who is willing to fight the fight in whatever way.