Life with Parkinson's - Michael Buckley's Journey
Michael Buckley: A Creative Spirit Navigating Life with Parkinson's
Michael Buckley, a native of Melbourne, Australia, born 65 years ago in New Zealand, has had an extraordinary life filled with creativity, resilience, and a touch of adversity.
Growing up in Springvale, Michael's journey took a significant turn when he moved to Europe for three years. It was during this time that he met his wife, Sue, in Melbourne. Sue, with a career involving extensive travel, and Michael spent 20 years living in the Collingwood and Fitzroy area of Melbourne.
In the early 2000s, Michael noticed trouble using his computer mouse, a symptom that would later lead to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Despite this, he has remained active, continuing his creative work and maintaining a reasonably good driving ability.
Michael's creative endeavors span over three decades, focusing on raising awareness for various disability groups and their rights. He has created short films, animations, and even paintings, receiving an Australia Council grant in 2015 for an exhibition of his paintings in Hamburg, Germany. Even in the face of Parkinson's, Michael continues to create short, independent films and write short stories.
Sue, who discovered she had breast cancer during their time in Melbourne, has been a source of support for Michael. They welcomed a grandchild last year, but due to COVID travel restrictions, they didn't meet their grandchild until last November.
Michael's main contact for Parkinson's information and support is (Parkinson's Specialist Nurse) Nina. He initially tried alternative treatments before starting medication and plans to visit a Parkinson's specialist for an update on his treatment.
In a bid for a change of pace, Michael purchased a holiday house near Jervis Bay, Australia, ten years ago and now resides there. He maintains a daily exercise routine, including riding an electric bike and doing yoga, to keep his health in check.
While specific details about Michael's Parkinson's diagnosis, alternative treatments, or creative work are not publicly available, it is clear that Michael's spirit remains undeterred. His story serves as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Michael's creative work has often focused on raising awareness for various disability groups, including neurological disorders like Parkinson's, chronic diseases, and mental health conditions.
- Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Michael continues to maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a daily exercise routine and staying engaged in health-and-wellness activities.
- Michael's persistent creative endeavors have even delved into science, as evidenced by his independent films and stories that aim to shed light on medical-conditions such as Parkinson's.
