Mandurah Parkinson’s sufferer pitches in through paintings

August 30, 2017

Sue Edge is doing her part to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's WA through her artwork. Photo: Supplied.

Mandurah woman Sue Edge will be helping to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease when hundreds of people take to Perth’s Perry Lakes Reserve for Parkinson’s WA’s Walk in the Park event this September.

Ms Edge was diagnosed with the disease in 2010, and despite the initial and enormous challenges that came along with it she was able to discover a new lease on life.

With the help of Parkinson’s WA, the Mandurah local discovered a love of art and was soon holding exhibitions of her own.

“I was honoured when Parkinson’s WA asked me to display my paintings at their head office in Nedlands in July and completely overwhelmed when the pictures were so popular that they asked me to extend the exhibition to the end of August,” she said.

“I have sold over 20 paintings and to date have had to travel back and forth every few weeks to update the display.”

Now, Ms Edge is using her creative talent to help raise much-needed funds to support fellow sufferers of the disease.

She makes a donation to Parkinson’s WA for every painting she sells, along with the commission earned from her Living Well with Parkinson's collection.

Along with her family, Ms Edge will be participating in the Walk in the Park and will have a number of her designs on sale to help raise funds.

“I would like to thank Parkinson’s WA for their initial belief in my work, the exhibition is something I had not thought was possible even a year ago,” she said.

“Since being diagnosed, I have learned that when you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening.

“That’s where your power is, so I try to spread the message that although this diagnosis is challenging, life doesn’t end with a diagnosis.”

The event will take place on Sunday, September 17.

Gates open at 9.30am with the two and five-kilometre walks beginning at 11am. 

The event is family and pet friendly, and a variety of entertainment will be on offer. 

“This event is extremely important to fundraising for our services like the Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Service, which is unique to WA,” Peel region Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Heather Johnstone said.

To register, visit parkinsonswa.org.au 

For more information about Parkinson’s WA call 6457 7373 or email info@parkinsonswa.org.au

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