Our Journey My name is Noemi Gaibisso. I often say that while I don’t have the clinical diagnosis, I “live with Parkinson’s” every single day. My husband, Jay (now 59), was diagnosed six years ago. We were blindsided; like many, we thought this was an "old person’s disease." The moment that stays with me most was five years ago at a Yum Cha restaurant. Jay couldn't pick up a water jar because of his tremors. When our children, Sabrina and Maximus, asked what was wrong, I made an excuse about the jar being heavy. But we knew we couldn’t hide it anymore. Telling our children—the people we would give our lives for—that their father had a progressive neurological disease was the hardest thing we’ve ever done. The Loss of Connection and Joy We are a musical, social, and adventurous Latino family. In our culture, dancing is how we express life. It used to be our "thing." Now, Parkinson’s has stolen that. I often find myself dancing alone on the dance floor while Jay watches from the table. It is heartbreaking to feel that jealousy of other couples who can still share that simple physical connection. Jay used to be the life of the party—loud, chatty, and always giggling. Now, he is often quiet or looks "lost." Because his speech has become so soft, people constantly ask him to repeat himself, or I have to step in and speak for him. I can see his frustration and the blow to his confidence. He often prefers to stay home now, likely out of embarrassment as his mobility declines. Physical Impact and Daily Struggle In the last few months, Jay’s physical state has dropped significantly. • Micro-mobility: He can no longer do small tasks like peeling potatoes or putting a bag in the bin. I have taken over all these roles. • Personal Care: I now have to help him dry his back, put on T-shirts, and do up buttons. • Gross Motor Skills: Turning around or changing direction is an ordeal. A task that takes a healthy person two steps takes Jay ten or more. You can see his brain trying to tell his body to move, but the connection just isn't there. • Falls Risk: Walking from the kitchen to the bedroom has become a major safety concern. He leans on furniture to steady himself, and the risk of a fall is very high. He now uses a walking stick, partly for balance and partly as a "signal" to strangers so they don't give him awkward looks. The Exhaustion of Care Sleep is a constant battle. Jay is never comfortable. He moves from the bed to the spare room to the lounge, trying to find relief from body aches and restlessness. When he doesn’t sleep, his cognitive function slows down the next day. He struggles to find words and becomes incredibly frustrated. This doesn't just affect him; it exhausts our entire household. Our recent trip to Japan showed us our new reality: Jay had to miss many family outings because he simply didn't have the physical strength to leave the hotel. He sleeps during the day and throughout movies/shows. I often see myself making a comment about a scene with no response The Emotional Toll on our Children Our son, Maximus (17), is particularly struggling. Jay is his hero and was his soccer coach. Seeing his father deteriorate so fast has left him terrified. Instead of just being a teenager, he is worried about losing his best friend. My Reality I am 13 years younger than Jay. I am a fit, active professional, but I am scared. Our tradition of hiking in the Blue Mountains is now just a distant memory. My role is shiftting from wife and partner to a primary carer and "buffer" between Jay and the world. But despite all this we are committed to enjoy life 100%, live in the moment, and kick parkinsons .....

I am stepping up for my Dad who has been a Parkinson's warrior for going on 8 years (diagnosed). My Dad has always been incredibly sporty, determined and has fought this battle with strength since diagnosis. He inspires me to be a better person and also gives me strength to push harder for myself. So I will be stepping up by going for a walk everyday except Wednesdays where I will be doing my usual dance.

Im stepping up for my Grandma who passed away from this horrible disease. She will always be my idol. She was such a beautiful soul inside and out. She will always be someone I've looked up to ...How she got through with 4 boys in that era, i will never know 🫣🤣! Such an inspiration, (and also the one to blame for my sweet tooth 😆).. If I could be even half the woman she was, I'd be doing very well in life ❤️ Love you so much Grandma xxx .

I'm stepping up for my wife, Cheryl, who was diagnosed in 2023. With the help of physiologists, gym, swim, medication and speech therapy she is going OK, but the mental challenge is ongoing... She is such an inspiration to see how she is coping with changes in her life.

My wonderful Dad, passed away May 2025

4 years ago our family suffered the loss of a great man gone too soon. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. As I hit the pavement to raise funds I ask for any donation to help me raise money for Parkinson’s 🙏❤️

Today we celebrated Popcorn for Parkinson's on an Intensive Study Week for our Master's Degrees. Thank you for engaging in this awareness activity and for caring for people in the community every day.

4 years ago our family suffered the loss of a great man gone too soon. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. As I hit the pavement to raise funds I ask for any donation to help me raise money for Parkinson’s 🙏❤️

My Nan (on my mums side) suffered from Parkinson’s for 9 years before she unfortunately passed before I was born.

I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2020. So far, I have been going ok. My Neurologist helps me review my medication every 6 months. As a result, I have been able to manage my 'down' time. As time goes by however, it is always in the back of your mind when you may not be able to cope normally with everyday life and activities. I have believed that exercise is 'key' and as a result I try to undertake a range of physical activities on a daily basis. Step up for Parkinsons will keep me on track and continue to motivate me to maintain my exercise / physical activities routine, plus provide some funds to help the continued provision of services.

My dad died with PD a few years ago. My sister and I join Step Up each year in his memory

For my continued own fight and advocacy for the rights of others to access the best Care available for their Parkinson’s.

Although Dad now lives away from mum due to Lewy body dementia, she visits him every day and the love and adore each other.

I’m Geoffrey Duong, retired Financial IT forced by Parkinson Disease (PD) I have been living with PD for the last 12 years. In February 2023, I had Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Prior to DBS, I was taking a tablet every 2 hours to manage my pd symptoms. At the time my Neurologist had suggested to do DBS, I was so worried… Thanks to him for his professionalism, expertise in the field, I was referred to a neurosurgeon who convinced me to go through the successful 6 hrs long surgery. A big thank you all medical staff that helped me pulled through the surgery. Otherwise I would have been bed bound now, I believe. My current activities to help slow down my pd conditions while researchers are working on a treatment are: PD warrior, KOPD, speech therapy, walking in local parks and attend community support activity. Your contribution will be much appreciated And thank you for your continued supports.