The Bega Valley Parkinson’s Support Group came together for a bonding lunch at the Great Southern Inn on Monday, with 26 members in attendance.
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The venue was only a stone’s throw from home for the six Eden residents who are members of the group, which holds a bonding lunch every second month, as well as meeting on the first Monday of each month at the Bega Golf Club.
President Robert McDonald says the outings benefit the group’s members in more ways than one.
“A lot of these people don’t go out socially very much, but they come to these luncheons with their carers or partners,” he said.
“We always have a very good time getting to know each other, and also talking about ways to cope with our Parkinson’s.
“It’s all about the sharing of information, ideas and problems so that we can support each other.”
The group encompasses members from as far north as Cobargo and Bermagui, right down to Eden.
Mr McDonald says that having a support network is invaluable for Parkinson’s sufferers, with no known cure for the disease.
“I’ve been president for six years, and I’ve seen it grow,” he said.
“On a day like today, everyone’s smiling and laughing, and while we talk about Parkinson’s, we often find ourselves forgetting about our problems and just enjoying each other’s company.
“It’s a disease that has no cure, so all we can do is try to manage it and support each other through it as best we can; that’s what our group is all about.”
To enquire about joining the Bega Valley Parkinson’s Support Group, contact Robert on 6495 1330.