Supporting Parkinson’s Disease Research.
In November 2014, my Mum, Brother, and I lost our Dad, Steve Tully, suddenly and unexpectedly. Dad had dedicated his life to us and teaching, a task that was made all the more difficult for him after receiving a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. Although Parkinson’s wasn’t what took him from us in the end, his quality of life had deteriorated progressively over time and would have continued to do so if he were still with us.
Parkinson's disease is a progressively degenerative neurological disorder which affects the control of body movements. There is no known cause, prevention or cure.
Parkinson's occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 70 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.
Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of neuronal cells located in the substantia nigra. This causes a deficiency in the availability of dopamine; a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger) necessary for the production of smooth controlled movements.
Earlier in life, Dad was a Wedding Photographer and teacher of Photography at Launceston College. In his memory, any generosity derived from this venture will be donated to the Menzies Institute of Medical Research Parkinson’s Appeal.