Who we are
As a leading organisation for Parkinson's, providing research, education and support, we are constantly working to realise possibilities for people living with Parkinson’s. Over the last 40 years, we have greatly improved quality of life for people living with Parkinson's, including Young Onset Parkinson’s, and Atypical Parkinson's (MSA, PSA and CBS).
At Fight Parkinson’s, (formerly known as Parkinson’s Victoria) our community is at the forefront of all we do. We believe that with strong sector coordination and leadership, and greater community and government support, we can realise better outcomes.
Our multi-disciplinary team provides specialist advice and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families, carers, and health care professionals through:
- tailored health education programmes and seminars
- a free and confidential health information service
- comprehensive web-based information
- an extensive peer support group network.
We are committed to raising funds to advance research that will deliver effective therapies, treatments, and a cure and empowering our community to live full and active lives until a cure is found.
Living with Parkinson’s as it progresses is a fight. Through our work, we fight to realise possibilities for people living with Parkinson’s. The foundation of Fight Parkinson’s lies in our collective choice to never give up.
Fight Parkinson’s is the operating name of Parkinson’s Victoria, a registered charity in Victoria (FR0014017).
This section covers:
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson's is a chronic neurological condition with a range of complex symptoms unique to each individual. The most common symptoms include stiffened muscles, slowing movement, and changing posture. Many people also experience tremors when resting.
The movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are well known. However, non motor symptoms can also be part of the condition including pain, depression, anxiety, speech changes, and loss of facial expression. Medication and support from health care professionals can help manage these symptoms, however there is no way to slow progression or cure Parkinson's.
Neurological disorders are now the leading cause of disabilities in the world and Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological syndrome3. The cause is still unknown. It's estimated that 57,000 Victorians are living with Parkinson's, and 219,000 nationally. Learn more about Parkinson’s.
Atypical Parkinson’s
We are Australia's leading support organisation with a dedicated commitment to research, education, and support for people living with an Atypical Parkinson's. Conditions often defined as Atypical Parkinson’s clinically, include Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS). These are rare conditions that initially present like Parkinson’s, but which have different causes, symptoms, and rates of progression. It is not yet known what causes PSP, MSA or CBS and there are currently no treatments to cure, prevent, or slow their progression. Treatments, therapies, and strategies are available however, to help people manage their symptoms and to make the most of a life lived with these conditions.
Living with these conditions can be extremely isolating and challenging. Individuals and their families often feel marginalised, but they are fighting too. Fight Parkinson’s recognises the atypical conditions and their diversity, and we show care through action.
Our Vision
A world free of Parkinson's, and until a cure is found, for those living with Parkinson's to be empowered to live full and active lives.
Our Mission
We will empower people living with Parkinson’s to get the most out of life, to be their own advocate, and to raise funds to support research in delivering effective therapies, treatments, and a cure.
Our Values
The Parkinson's community is at the heart of everything that we do. Our work is done with our heads and hearts entwined to realise the best possibilities for their lives. We know that our community and their experience of Parkinson’s is unique, wide-ranging and ever-changing, and we seek to be inclusive of this diversity in all aspects of our work.
As leaders within the Parkinson's community in Australia, we have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of people living with Parkinson’s, or Atypical Parkinson’s and their families. Our knowledge has been richly developed and curated. Through evidence and best practice, we are able to educate our community, driving their capacity for empowerment to self-manage and make informed choices.
We champion a learning culture of innovation and continual improvement. This culture of advancement allows us to provide the highest quality support and services to the Parkinson's community. It affects everything we do and is supported by our global connections, collaborations, and research partnerships.
We are committed to making a positive difference to all those living with Parkinson's or Atypical Parkinson’s (PSP, MSA, CBS). We are confident in our expertise, reputation, and ability to create systemic change. Our courage and leadership are inspired by our community and they show us how.
1. “Living with Parkinson's Disease - An updated economic analysis 2014”, Deloitte Access Economics for Parkinson's Australia Inc. August 2015
