Rod: I did the Upbeat Outward Bound course

I recently joined nine other very anxious Parkinson people and four carers and supporters at Picton to head for Anakiwa, for what was to prove to be a life changing six days for all of us. It was an incredible experience which words cannot really describe, but I’ll do my best. Up early every morning for exercise and a run, or…

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I have Parkinson’s Disease

It is not catching or hereditary. No one knows what causes it, but some of the Dopamine cells in the brain begin to die at a faster rate. Everyone slowly loses some Dopamine cells as they grow older. If the cells suddenly begin to die at an accelerated rate, Parkinson’s disease develops. It is slowly progressive and usually…

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Faye: Pushing boundaries despite MS

In 2003 I was diagnosed with the potential of having Multiple Sclerosis after losing colour to the left eye for a few weeks. Life continued on without incident until 2008 when I experienced vertical double vision, where the question mark over Multiple Sclerosis was taken away and it became a certainty; You have Multiple Sclerosis. In 2009 my ability to walk was…

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Ingrid: My Oceans Of Hope Experience

When I applied to go on Oceans of Hope, I didn’t honestly think I would get on – I knew there would be lots wanting to experience this. I don’t have any sailing experience. My Dad had a Sunburst yacht when we were little, but I am not really sure if that counts. I have been on friends’ boats…

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The motomed is in the gym!

The Motomed is here and is up and running in the gym. Thanks to all the donations and fundraising, we were also able to purchase the arm attachment which was a great bonus and extends the use of the machine to lots of our members. Those lucky enough to use it so far have loved the opportunity to bike again after…

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New auto injector for people using Betaferon

The BETACONNECT auto injector will help people optimize their treatment as the system provides notifications based on client preferences, such as audio or visual reminders, and feedback on injection depth and speed. People can opt to share the information with their healthcare providers to further improve treatment. Bayer marketed the product first in Germany and it is now available…

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New MS group starting in June

  To our new group for people with MS and your support person   Why might you be interested in coming along?   ◆ Support – listening and learning about commonalities and differences, to feel you are not alone, and link with others who understand that you are going through ◆ Sharing experiences, thoughts, ideas – to learn…

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Meet Cate – Our Volunteer Nurse

Hello everyone. My name is Cate Walton and I am a Registered Nurse (RN) and I work alongside Bronnie at the MS & Parkinson’s Canterbury for 6 hours a week, usually Tuesdays. I grew up and lived all my life in Wellington until 2012 when my husband Chris and I moved to Christchurch so he…

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May 2015: Manager’s Message

Greetings everyone. Many thanks for your warm welcome to me in the manager’s role. I am very much enjoying the opportunity to meet members on a variety of different occasions, such as at gym sessions, the movie and quiz nights, the Ashburton morning tea and MS support group, Parkinson’s spouses’ group, Upbeat group, MS lunches,…

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