ON the fridge in Andrew Suggett’s home is magnet which says ‘you can’t adjust the wind but you can adjust the sails.’
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It’s a motto which Mr Suggett has embraced and has helped him cope with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
“Some days are better than others,” he said.
“You know when you wake up how you’re going to be and you adjust accordingly. I reckon you have good days and better days. You do what you can while you can.”
Mr Suggett, 72, is the coordinator of the Warrnambool Parkinson’s Support Group and was diagnosed 15 years ago. At the time he worked as a financial advisor in Warrnambool and one day he noticed his handwriting went all over the page.
He went straight to hospital and was eventually diagnosed. “For a start it’s pretty upsetting,” he said.
“Someone said they’d been through a bit of depression and it’s a very dark place. “They said how did you get out of the dark place and I said I’m scared of the dark.
“Everyone goes through the cycle of denial and anger. Why should this happen to me? But there very much is light at the end of the tunnel.”
According to Parkinson’s Australia, Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition and it’s estimated there are about 80,000 Australians living with it.
The average age of diagnosis is 65, however younger people can be diagnosed too.
Known for his community work Mr Suggett said his work with the support group gave him endless satisfaction. The support group meets on the first Wednesday of every month.
Mr Suggett said anyone in the community with Parkinson’s should know they’re not alone.
“Please contact me, I’ve got all the information in the world,” he said. “I love it, I feel like I’m really doing something.”
On Sunday the Warrnambool support group will host a walk at 11am to raise awareness and support people with Parkinson’s. Those who attend are asked to meet at the Breakwater Pavillion and a barbecue will be held after the walk.