Lyndhurst’s John McKenzie starting support group for people with Parkinson’s disease

John McKenzie, who was diagnosed almost eight years ago, said he believed there were a lot of people with the disease living in Casey, but when he looked online for a peer support group nearby there were none nearby.

He said many people with the disease found it important to have support from someone who understood what Parkinson’s was like.

He said people could also share information with other sufferers about medication and lifestyle tips.

“There are 22 people within walking distance of my home in Lyndhurst whom have Parkinson’s and I don’t know any of them,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Over the weekend I went to the Frankston group to see how it runs and what it entails and (I met) another guy called John and he seemed to have a much further advanced case than me. We met for coffee and I saw him take his medication with coffee and I said ‘why do you do that’ and he said ‘why not’.

“My neurologist recommended I not eat anything for 30-40 minutes after my tablet.

“I got John to try and take it with no food and he emailed me the same day and said the difference was astonishing … normally by 9am he was shaking all over but by 1pm he was not shaking.

“If you have someone out there who knows how you are feeling who can provide information to help that cannot do any harm.”

Mr McKenzie said he already had permission to hold the support meetings at a venue near the Marriott Waters shopping centre but needed at least four interested people to make it happen.

If you are interested in joining the Parky and Me support group visit @Parkinsonsandme on Facebook or ring John McKenzie on 0417 525 234 or 8743 4565