Hi. I’m MenziI have volunteered as a Mover & Shaker to raise funds for Parkinson’s ZA, a non-profit public benefit organization, aimed at improving the overall quality of life for People impacted by Parkinson’s Disease.I will be competing in the Cape Town Marathon in October next month and hope to break my personal best time of 3h47.Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world with an estimated 10 million people living with the disease. Sadly in South Africa and Africa at large, many go undiagnosed and without treatment.Parkinsons ZA has established the first community based rehabilitation workshop in Durban incorporating physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and lifestyle management. The program is run every week and is available free of charge to the entire community of Durban.All funds raised will go towards supporting Parkinsons ZA in their ongoing efforts to make People with Parkinson’s thrive.
Menzi Mbatha - Parkinsons ZA Mover & Shaker
In March 2018, the Mayo Clinic published a paper titled “Aerobic Exercise: Evidence for a direct brain effect to slow Parkinson's Disease Progression”. The paper cites research that concludes regular aerobic type exercise and cardiovascular fitness to attenuate the progression of Parkinson's Disease.
At Parkinson's ZA, we have initiated the first multidisciplinary programme for People impacted by Parkinson's Disease in Durban KZN and have successfully delivered 50 weekly workshops in our first year, ‘free of charge’. The programme encompasses physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition and psychology with the central theme for People with Parkinson's Disease to GET ACTIVE.
This year, we plan to expand this workshop to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Our fundraising effort is focused on recruiting Parkinson's Movers & Shakers to raise funds for Parkinson's ZA.
Please go to our GUIDE TO BECOMING A MOVER & SHAKER