What steps did you take to manage your condition after that realisation?

That moment made me realise I needed to take action. I joined an adult gymnastics class run by my children’s gymnastics coach. It was daunting – I knew how tough he was on the kids – but he encouraged me to try.

It was incredibly challenging. I wasn’t used to physical activity and was far behind everyone else in the class. But the coach and other participants were so encouraging. Over time, I started to push through the difficulty, and I began to see progress.

Being in Peru was a big reason I started gymnastics. If I had been in Australia, I might have opted for something more traditional – like a Parkinson’s exercise group that is often geared towards older people. Those groups are wonderful and incredibly helpful, but I felt I needed something different.

Firstly, I had to improve my mobility, range of movement, flexibility, and strength before I could try to do handstands or other gymnastics exercises. It was very hard, but gradually, I began to enjoy it. Recently, I became injured, so I need to be careful.

The process of regaining movement and coordination through gymnastics has been incredibly empowering. It’s also allowed me to show others that they can find ways to keep moving – whether it is through something as challenging as gymnastics or simply finding an activity they love.

Who or what was instrumental in helping you take on this challenge?
It was a combination of my coach in Peru, the group I trained with, and my family and community. My coach was excellent—he was tough but very encouraging. My classmates were incredibly supportive. They held me accountable, and I knew I’d be missed if I didn’t show up.

We trained for two hours a day, three times a week, which was a serious commitment. I don’t train as much now, but those sessions gave me the foundation to keep pushing myself. They also showed me the importance of a supportive community in achieving your goals.

I even created a video about my journey for the World Parkinson’s Congress, and it was shortlisted as a finalist. Attending the Congress was a turning point for me. Physiotherapists, attendees, and others told me how inspiring my story was. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to keep going and push my limits.

Did attending the Congress open your eyes about becoming a voice for Parkinson’s patients everywhere?

Yes, it was. The Congress was held in Japan, so I dropped my family off in Australia and travelled alone to Japan just three days later. It was a big step for me, but it was incredibly invigorating.

At the Congress, I met so many inspiring people, including young peer advocates for Parkinson’s. Until then, I hadn’t met anyone my age living with Parkinson’s, so it was a powerful moment of connection. Seeing how hard they worked in their communities and how dedicated they were to raising awareness really encouraged me.

By that time, I had already started reaching out to my community in Peru, where I was living. I realised that there was very little understanding of Parkinson’s and the benefits of exercise. I began organising a support group and speaking at events for the Parkinson’s Association in Lima, the capital.

How has your journey shaped your outlook on living with Parkinson’s?

Since that time, my attitude has been to keep moving forward. Parkinson’s is tough, but I’ve learned that with determination and support, I can achieve things I never thought possible. Gymnastics, for example, has become a fun and empowering way to manage my condition.

Meeting others in the Parkinson’s community has also been incredibly motivating. Their stories, along with the encouragement I’ve received, continue to remind me that I can keep pushing and achieving more.

It sounds like you’ve made a lasting impact. How have your experiences in Peru shaped the way you approach your work here in Australia?

I think my time in Peru made me very resourceful. Over there, you had to work with very limited resources, so I learned to be creative and focus on what people truly needed. It also taught me the importance of empathy and understanding cultural differences. That experience has been invaluable in my work here, especially when working with multicultural communities. I’ve also realised how important it is to keep fighting for systemic changes, even when progress feels slow.

That’s a powerful call to action. If you could share one message with healthcare professionals about Parkinson’s, what would it be?

I’d tell them to look beyond just prescribing medication. Parkinson’s is so much more than that – it’s about mental health, physical activity, community support, and understanding the whole person.

Small interventions, like encouraging exercise or connecting patients with support groups, can have a huge impact on their quality of life. Listen to your patients; they often know what they need but might not have the tools or confidence to express it.