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Program Persists in Gaining Attention Locally: Community Heroes Persists in Drawing Attention

Program Launched in April 2021 (Parkinson's Awareness Month) Achieves Success in Publicity and Community Awareness Boost

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Launched during Parkinson's Awareness Month in April 2021, the Parkinson’s Community Heroes program...
Launched during Parkinson's Awareness Month in April 2021, the Parkinson’s Community Heroes program is still bringing in positive attention and boosting community understanding for the 18 participating Support Groups. This initiative enables Support Groups to honor individuals who have aided them within their local communities. Nominees for hero status range from local politicians to healthcare professionals, as well as clubs that offer meeting venues.

Program Persists in Gaining Attention Locally: Community Heroes Persists in Drawing Attention

In 2021, during Parkinson's Awareness Month, the Parkinson's Community Heroes program kickstarted, shedding light on the 18 Support Groups participating. This initiative recognized locals who'd made significant impacts in their communities—from politicians to arts leaders, healthcare professionals, and generous club hosts.

Fran Hayes, Inner West Support Group leader, rewarded Catherine Goss of Dance for Parkinson's with a Community Hero Award. Nowra Support Group honored Werninke Craft Cottage with their award, presented by Jo Szcepanowski, local Parkinson's Specialist Nurse Nina Digiglio, and the Nowra Support Group Leader.

In Kiama, community volunteer and local Rotarian John Clarke got recognized by Lesley Errington, Support Group Leader. Julia Fry, the founder and former long-term leader of the Chinatown Bilingual Support Group, was also honored for her contributions. Rosann Ng made the presentation.

Eurobodalla Occupational Therapist Ruth Hassall was selected as the local Support Group's Parkinson's Community Hero for this year. Joy Overs and Jan Rapley made the presentation. In Newcastle, Ben Payne, local head of charity Movers and Shakers NSW, received the Parkinson's Community Hero title from Sandra Elms, the local Parkinson's Support Group Leader.

While the search didn't yield details on the "Parkinson's Community Heroes for 2021" specifically, efforts like the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, which supports Parkinson's research and community support, are worth mentioning[1]. Community advocacy and individual champions, like Ronnie Benbow OAM, also deserve recognition even though they aren't directly related to the Parkinson's Community Heroes program[3]. To learn more about the heroes from 2021, it's essential to check local news or announcements from Parkinson's support groups from that year.

  1. Support groups, such as the Chinatown Bilingual Support Group and the Nowra Support Group, played a crucial role in recognizing individuals who made significant impacts in their communities during Parkinson's Awareness Month in 2021.
  2. The importance of science and medical-conditions, like chronic diseases such as Parkinson's, in health-and-wellness was underscored by the Parkinson's Community Heroes program, which acknowledged healthcare professionals like Nina Digiglio and Ruth Hassall for their contributions.
  3. Fitness-and-exercise and mental-health were also emphasized by the program, with dance therapy and community activities being recognized as valuable resources for people living with Parkinson's, as exemplified by Catherine Goss and the Dance for Parkinson's program.
  4. Nutrition is an integral part of managing chronic diseases like Parkinson's, and initiatives like the Parkinson's Community Heroes program highlight the role of community volunteers like John Clarke in promoting healthier lifestyles for those affected by these conditions.

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