Ambassadors

Dr Andrew Harkin

Andrew has come on board as a 27forParkinson's ambassador to develop the amazing 27-day program people are signing up for.

"Parkinson's disease is an illness that's been close to my heart for as long as I can remember. I have had 3 grandparents live with the condition and the major effect it has on not only their lives, but the people around them". 

I wanted to become an ambassador for 27forParkinsons as I want to help raise awareness about this disease, to hopefully lead to a cure and/or new preventative measures.

I can't wait to see people from all walks of life join in on the campaign, get more active and focus on their overall health and well-being."

Andrew graduated from RMIT with a Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy). 

In his spare time Andrew loves going to the gym, running, watching his beloved Carlton Blues, travelling and spending time with his girlfriend, friends and family.

Trevor Prasad

In 2019, at just 54 years of age, Trevor was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. After Trevor was diagnosed, he stated, "You become aware of many other symptons that prior to diagnosis, you would not reasonably pick up and associate with Parkinson's".  Such as, Trevor's right arm swing diminishing, upper body rigidity affecting his golf swing, severe leg cramps compromising cycling and the need to mask his foggy brain at work.

Despite his diagnosis, Trevor approaches life positively and loves taking part in 27forParkinson's. - "I like to be surrounded by positive energy and positive people, and I thought this challenge was exactly that. It's a positive way to be involved and immerse myself more in the Parkinson's community". 

Being asked to be a 27forParkinson’s ambassador this year was extremely humbling for Trevor, and he was excited at the opportunity to play his part as a positive role model for how you can live your life with Parkinson's in an active way. Pickleball, hiking, cycling, yoga and gardening are a few of the ways Trevor likes to stay active and well while living with Parkinson’s and he hopes people can be inspired to do the same this October.

Patty Mayne and Lorena Bazzano

Patty and Lorena are sharing their story in honour of their much-loved Dad Sebastiano, who passed away in 2018. It was stage four cancer that ended his life, but he’d spent more than 15 years living with Parkinson’s and its progressive symptoms.

In sharing his story, Patty and Lorena are honouring his legacy, his strength and determination, raising awareness and funds through the 27forParkinson’s campaign.

In particular, they want people to know about the wide range of symptoms that can be experienced. They hope that by openly speaking about their experiences, they are helping others.

“I had a friend reach out to me only a few weeks ago to thank me. She said by me being so open, she had noticed her own Dad’s hand shaking and took him to get tested, with a Parkinson’s diagnosis was made,” Patty said.

“Talking about it openly is the one thing I can do because if I help just that one person, some good has come of it.”