Growing up, Redfern resident Emma cherished her close proximity to the beach and led an active school life filled with endless adventures. Deep down, she dreamed of becoming a flight attendant. However, destiny had a different plan in store for Emma. Learn about her journey battling Parkinson’s disease.
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After graduating from school, Emma embarked on an exciting journey by joining Contiki, a renowned travel company in Sydney known for its global adventures.
Determined to gain valuable hospitality experience, she spent several months working diligently before setting off to Europe. Her destination was Antibes, a picturesque town nestled on the enchanting shores of the French Riviera.
As time went by, Emma’s heart called her back to her beloved Australia. She secured a position at Flight Centre, channelling her passion for travel into helping others create their dream vacations.
Life seemed perfect as she married her love and welcomed two beautiful daughters into the world. The girls, now aged 12 and 9, brought immeasurable joy to Emma’s existence.
However, just a few months after her dreamy honeymoon in Paris back in 2010, Emma began experiencing unusual health issues. Concerned, she consulted her general practitioner, who inquired about any prior episodes of numbness or tingling in her body.
Suddenly, she remembered experiencing pins and needles in her hands a few years earlier. After a series of medical examinations, Emma received a diagnosis that shook her to the core: Multiple Sclerosis.
In early 2019, Emma encountered yet another hurdle on her path to healing. Whilst attending a yoga retreat, she was taken aback as her leg began shaking uncontrollably. Troubled by this perplexing symptom, she returned to her neurologist, who unveiled a new diagnosis: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
This disorder, which can arise from significant stress or trauma, disrupts the communication between the brain and the central nervous system, leading to a myriad of symptoms despite no structural damage to the brain.
Determined to explore all possibilities, Emma sought a second opinion in October 2021 from a different neurologist. The words that followed left her speechless: early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Facing the challenges of her condition, Emma remained resilient. She sought solace and information from organisations like Parkinson’s NSW, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and MS Plus.
Their abundant resources and unwavering support allowed her to maintain a positive outlook and live well despite her circumstances.
Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, Emma drew strength from the incredible organisations and individuals who had supported her throughout her journey. Their unwavering dedication and wealth of resources provided her with hope and guidance as she navigated the challenges of her new diagnosis.
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With the help of her local Parkinson’s support group and the online communities she had found, Emma continued to persevere. Every day, she embraced the power of knowledge, resilience, and a positive mindset.
Published 18-May-2023