Susanna Freymark
The people in the support group at Evans Head have one thing in common – they have Parkinson’s disease.
But it isn’t the disease that defines the group or them –it is about connecting, helping one another and living life to its fullest.
Di Lymbury and Rosemary Beasley recently started the monthly Parkinson’s Support Group in Evans Head at Thyme Lifestyle Resort.
Ten years ago, Di started a support group in Lismore. She was acknowledged for her efforts with an Australia Day award for Citizen of the Year two years ago.
When Di moved to Evans Head because of family connections and because she “loves the ocean” she started a new support group.
“It is non-judgmental and confidential,” she said about the group.
The group in Lismore grew to 70 members.
One of the group leaders at Evans Head is John Waters who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his 40s.
“Isolation with Parkinson’s can be a downward spiral,” he said.
“The decline is (impacted) in how you tackle the issue.”
He believes in having a positive attitude about the disease and to see it as an opportunity to discover more about yourself.
John has found friendship through the group. Like Di, he has a passion for photography.
Di has had Parkinson’s for 18 years. She makes sure she exercises and has a good diet.
Group member Jill Ash is 81. She found out she had breast cancer 20 years ago. She survived and then at 78 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
She uses light therapy for her Parkinson’s symptoms.
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease of mainly the central nervous system that affects both the motor and non-motor systems of the body. The type and degree of symptoms vary for each person and can include tremors, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, postural instability, and episodes of freezing. It can affect a person’s speech or mood. The symptoms generally develop slowly.
Someone could have Parkinson’s and you might not even notice. Someone else could be severely affected.
More information is available from Parkinson’s Australia or Parkinson’s NSW.
John said, “A person with Parkinson’s is a family with Parkinson’s.”
It affects everyone.
The support group was important, he said, because men tended to keep things to themselves.
Everyone is welcome to the support group including carers, because they need support too.
“We offer tips and guidance for carers,” Di said.
MEETING DETAILS
Evans Head Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Thyme Lifestyle Resort Clubhouse Yoga /Function Room, 74 Currajong St, Evans Head at 1.30pm–3.30pm on the fourth Thursday of each month.
At the November meeting, specialist Parkinson’s nurse Tim Ayers will explain his role and the Parkinson’s Nursing service and will speak about coping with a diagnosis.
Tea and coffee will be available for $2.50. Please supply your own snacks as needed.
Future meetings on:
Thursday, October 24
Thursday, November 28
For more information phone Di on 0423 941 119.