Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) nurse Tony Ditterick has been named by the Central Coast Parkinson’s Support Group as this year’s Parkinson’s Community Hero.
The announcement commemorates April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Ditterick received his award on April 11, World Parkinson’s Day.
The Parkinson’s Community Hero Program was run across the state by Parkinson’s NSW which invited its more than 70 Parkinson’s Support Groups to nominate their local community heroes – individuals who have made contributions that improved the lives of local people living with Parkinson’s.
Nominations varied widely, from Members of Parliament to health and aged care workers and allied health professionals.
Ditterick is the Parkinson’s Liaison Nurse with CCLHD.
Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative condition of the central nervous system.
Its causes are unknown and a cure has not yet been found.
“Parkinson’s is more prevalent than many common cancers combined – including prostate, breast and colorectal cancers – in Australians over the age of 50,” Central Coast Support Group Leader Brian Roberts said.
“Yet despite cancers being well funded by Federal and State Governments, Parkinson’s is not.
“The State Government contributes just 47 cents per person living with Parkinson’s in NSW to the not-for-profit which delivers most support services to our Parkinson’s community – Parkinson’s NSW.
“Diagnosis of Parkinson’s can take years and people can live with it for decades.
“That makes supporting wellbeing and independence priorities for people living with this misunderstood disease.”
World Parkinson’s Day provides Australians with opportunities to learn more about the issues facing people living with Parkinson’s in their communities every day – and how their lives can be improved, particularly through exercise, social opportunities and community activities.
During April, members of Parkinson’s Support Groups will be out in force, rallying support, holding barbecues, morning teas and events and providing information and education opportunities.
For more information about Parkinson’s NSW, local Parkinson’s Support Groups and how to donate, make a free call to the Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine on 1800 644 189.