- Published:
- Thursday, 1 October 2020 at 6:06 am
Member for Lara John Eren and FRV’s Commander Steve Watts – both recently diagnosed with the disease – visited Kardinia Park to welcome the partnership between FRV and Parkinson’s Victoria.
Parkinson’s disease is indiscriminate, debilitating and incurable, with those diagnosed progressively losing their motor function over a period of several years.
FRV Commander Steve Watts was diagnosed with the disease after he noticed a slight tremor in his hand.
He began to look at ways to empower himself and others diagnosed and formed a partnership with Parkinson’s Victoria in 2018.
Last year Commander Watts raised nearly $30,000 to support the cause, and led the annual ‘A Walk in the Park’ event with a large contingent of his colleagues after being named Parkinson’s Victoria’s 2019 ambassador.
Commander Watts was present to bestow this year’s official ambassadorship to the Local Member for Lara John Eren, after his recent diagnosis and advocacy for awareness about the disease.
Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological condition in the community with an estimated 27,000 Victorians suffering from the disease and 18% of people diagnosed while still of working age (under 65 years).
Firefighters will take part in the challenge to support Parkinson Victoria’s 27forParkinson’s free virtual event, with more information available here.
The Firefighters Charity Fund will be donating a dollar for every kilometre walked or run by FRV employees from over 48-hours to support the cause.
This disease affects more than 27,000 Victorians and FRV is aiming to raise $27,000 to support the cause. Find out more: https://www.parkinsonswalk.org.au/my-fundraising/2243/frv-48-hour-parkinsons-challenge
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