Mrs Cross said she has been well supported since her diagnosis.
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago and I’ve had really good support from my doctors,” she said.
“Last year I had deep brain stimulation surgery, which involves a lengthy process to get accepted, and 18 months later I’m doing really well.”
Ms Collins said Parkinson’s impacted about 57,000 Victorians.
“It’s the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world,” she said.
“We need greater awareness about the condition in the community and for the people who are impacted by it.
“We have a fantastic peer support group in Horsham. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition and has a profound impact on people as it progresses over usually a long period of time and increases a person’s disability over that period of time.
“Their need for support and services is really important, so part of the event is also about raising awareness of the services Fight Parkinson’s provides to people living with Parkinson’s in the condition.
“We have a telephone line that supports people five days a week, and we receive about 6000 calls on that line a year.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the community in Horsham to raise that awareness.”
People can find our more or donate to Fight Parkinson’s at www.fightparkinsons.org.au.
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