16-September-2011
Goldstein Media Releases
Member for Goldstein, The Hon. Andrew Robb is supporting Warrnambool man Kieran Donlon as he rides through Cheltenham this month in the hope of raising millions of dollars for research into Parkinson’s disease.
Travelling over 4,000kms from Cairns, Queensland to Warrnambool, Victoria during September, Kieran hopes to raise desperately needed funds for Parkinson’s Disease research over his epic journey.
Mr Donlon’s wife, Julie has been living with Parkinson’s for fifteen years. Julie is one of approximately 100,000 people in Australia who live have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and one of 6.3 million individuals worldwide.
Mr Donlon says he hopes to raise $20 million, with every cent raised going to the Florey Neuroscience Institute, not towards administration costs.
“If every individual donates $1, it is achievable. If half the population donates $2, it’s still achievable,” Mr Donlon said.
“I’m doing this for Julie, I’m doing this for people with Parkinson’s, and I’m doing this for people who have yet to be diagnosed.”
Mr Robb is urging people to support Kieran and the plight to find a cure for Parkinson’s.
“Parkinson's disease can affect anyone - male or female and at any age, although it is more commonly diagnosed in those aged 55-65. Whilst Parkinson’s does occur more frequently in people over the age of 60, one in seven is diagnosed before the age of 50,” Mr Robb said.
“So much is yet to be discovered about Parkinson’s Disease including a cause, and that is why research funds are so important.
“Parkinson’s Disease may affect anyone at any time and well known identities with Parkinson’s Disease include Muhammad Ali, Michael J Fox, Janet Reno, Billy Graham, Pope John Paul II and Don Chipp.
“Kieran will be riding through Cheltenham on 23 September, so keep an eye out for him on the road.