Hi there,
On World Parkinson’s Day (11 April), Parkinson’s Australia has launched a podcast and the new $1.4 million Intersecting Voices Initiative.
Parkinson’s is often linked with older age, but up to one in five Australians diagnosed are under 50. More than 150,000 Australians are currently living with Parkinson’s, with a new diagnosis every 27 minutes.
Despite this, information remains limited for the diversity of people diagnosed in their working and parenting years.
Sydney mother of three, Christine Jeyaz, was 37 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“I had three young children when I was diagnosed. We were completely shocked and didn’t know what to do,” Ms Jeyaz said.
“Most people don’t know what to think about Parkinson’s in someone my age. There’s still this assumption that it only affects older people, and that’s just not the reality.”
Ms Jeyaz said a lack of tailored resources early on meant it took years to understand what would help her maintain movement, posture, and independence.
“It’s why this program is so important. When I was diagnosed young, there wasn’t clear information or guidance on what to do next, especially around things like exercise and how to manage day-to-day life,” she said.
The program will create practical tools and add to Parkinson’s Australia’s resources, including the Young Onset Parkinson’s eXchange (YOPX) platform.
To coincide with World Parkinson’s Day, Parkinson’s Australia has also launched The Parkinson’s eXchange Podcast, a new series sharing real stories from Australians living with Parkinson’s.
Christine is among the guests, including some well-known Australians, like former South Australian Attorney-General and Federal Labor Minister, Peter Duncan.
The podcast is co-hosted by singer-songwriter and former Australian Idol winner Damien Leith, who became a Parkinson's Australia Ambassador after his experience with his father’s Parkinson’s.
“When Parkinson’s enters your life, it affects the whole family. These are real, honest stories from Australians navigating challenges in very different ways, and those voices matter,” Mr Leith said.
The Intersecting Voices Initiative receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
