Telstra’s Nerissa Mapes, Senior Internal Communications Advisor from Public Policy & Communications and nowwearetalking staff member, is rallying nowwearetalking readers to get behind Australia’s first ever Unity Walk for Parkinson’s disease.
Having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 28, Nerissa set up POP (Perspectives on Parkinson’s) – a foundation dedicated to raising funds for research into a cure for the disease. Nerissa is the spokesperson for the Unity Walk.
If you enjoy a stroll in the park, supporting your favourite rugby league team or getting behind a charitable cause, Australia’s first ever Unity Walk for Parkinson’s disease is for you.
On Sunday 31 August NRL club supporters, people with Parkinson’s and their families and friends, as well as some of the big names in rugby league will take a 4km stroll around Olympic Park in Sydney to raise funds for support services for people living with Parkinson’s disease and to contribute to research into a cure for the debilitating neurological disorder.
“I worked with Parkinson’s NSW earlier in the year on World Parkinson’s Day and am honoured to have been asked me to be involved in the Unity Walk,” said Nerissa.
“Although I am based in Melbourne these days I grew up in Queensland and have two brothers who both played rugby league. It is really encouraging to have the NRL behind this event.”
If a spot of lunch time exercise or the chance to walk alongside one of the legends of league isn’t enough to get you out of the house in the middle of winter, the prospect of a tropical Hawaiian holiday may motivate you to strap on your joggers.
Everyone who raises $125 will automatically receive two free tickets to the Dragons vs Eels clash in Round 25 thanks to ANZ Stadium.
The person who brings in the most sponsorship money wins a magnificent trip for two to Hawaii, including six nights accommodation at the beautiful Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, courtesy of Starwood Hotels and Resorts and economy class return airfares, thanks to Hawaiian Airlines.
The fun doesn’t stop once the walk is over. Stick around for lunch, family fun and entertainment. The kids can even have their faces painted in their favourite NRL team colours.
Learn more:
There are two ways you can support this great cause
Sponsor Team Telstra: go to the Team Telstra Hero page and click ‘donate now’
Take part in the walk: Go to www.unitywalk.com.au and register to take part in the walk. You will be provided all of the details of the event along with everything you need to start harassing your friends, family, work mates and fellow commuters to sponsor your efforts.