Click here to read Lucy Butler’s speech.
AT 11 years old, Lucy Butler’s life changed forever when her father Graeme was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s Disease at 43.
An “old man’s disease”, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s was the last thing the family expected.
Lucy remembers finding out her father had the disease like it was yesterday.
“My mum and dad were in Adelaide seeing a doctor to find out what was wrong with dad when they called to tell me,” she recalled.
“I remember not knowing what Parkinson’s even was.
“I just rushed to the computer and read as much about Parkinson’s as I could.
“I found out there was not a cure, but I knew we were going to do everything we could to find one.”
Now seven years later, Lucy continues to impact her father’s life for the better.
Last year, Lucy was tasked with writing an 800-word speech for her Year 12 English class on a topic she was passionate about.
The topic Lucy chose was young onset Parkinson’s disease and its unknown origins.
“We had to talk about something that was important to us and make our speech informative, but also keep it entertaining,” she said.
“I knew I wanted to write about Parkinson’s straight away, but then I realised I had to try and make it humorous and interesting for young people.
“I do not think the topic of Parkinson’s is boring at all, but I do think it’s something that is not well known, especially for people my age.”
Lucy thought about how her family has dealt with her father’s diagnosis and decided to use it as inspiration for her speech.
Although a serious issue, Lucy believes a light-hearted approach can help those impacted by the disease remain positive.
“If you do not laugh, you would cry,” she said.
“So when I was writing my speech I thought about the funny little ways we talk about Parkinson’s.
“When my dad is driving and you can feel him shaking a little bit, we make jokes about bad suspension.
“Just silly things like that we use to lighten up the situation.”
Lucy’s speech was met with praise from her classmates and teacher alike and when her father’s Parkinson’s specialist heard about it, he had it published in a newsletter.
This encouragement has spurred Lucy on to continue on her journey of Parkinson’s awareness.
“I want people to know what Parkinson’s is and what it means for families impacted by it,” she said.
“If we continue to spread the word, I hope it reaches the right people and we can really start change.
“I am hopeful we will find a cure for Parkinson’s sooner rather than later and until then I will keep doing what I am doing to help.
“I think my dad’s diagnosis has taught me to live life to fullest, always make goals and never take anything for granted.”
