Trestrail of Armidale Honored with OAM (Order of Australia Medal)
Reborn in Armidale: Diane 'Di' Trestrail's Odyssey with Parkinson's
"Bloody hell, I never thought I'd be mates with the Queen, but here we are," murmured Diane 'Di' Trestrail, accepting her Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Her achievement came as a reward for her tireless efforts in supporting folks living with Parkinson's.
A South Australian native, Di has made Armidale her home for the past half-century. Di, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in early 2011, and the limited local support and understanding of the disease left her feeling lost.
"G'day mate, Parkinson's, ya say? Fossick around at home if ya like, no worries," was the devastating response she received. But Di refused to settle for inadequate care. Her resilience and unquenchable spirit pushed her to seek better treatment.
Di's life took a transformative turn when she visited her daughter in Brisbane. There, she discovered alternative therapy practitioners, kinesiologists, who offered her hope. Di subsequently stumbled upon a TV report about the PD Warrior exercise program for Parkinson's patients, inspiring her to take action.
Equipped with newfound knowledge, Di ventured to Sydney to the Advance Rehab Centre, a hub for people dealing with neurological issues. Her experience at the center drove her to become an evangelist for exercise as a treatment for Parkinson's. Upon her return to Armidale, she encouraged a physiotherapist to start a local Parkinson's exercise program.
What started as a humble gathering of exercise enthusiasts transformed into the thriving Armidale Parkinson's Encouragement Group, overseen by Di and home to more than 30 active members. The group continues to offer exercise followed by a cuppa, and invites informative speakers on the third Tuesday of each month.
"I hope my Queen's Birthday Honour will open a few doors and help me champion local Parkinson's support initiatives," said Di. Local media coverage of the award exhibited courageous Armidale residents, and Di beamed, thinking it would aid her in raising awareness about Parkinson's.
Digging Into Parkinson's Support
Parkinson's support groups, much like Di's group, bridge the gap, offering emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. These groups organize activities, share experiences, and provide resources to manage the condition effectively.
Throughout history, these support groups have evolved from informal get-togethers to structured organizations backed by healthcare professionals and organizations like the Parkinson's Foundation. By connecting with others facing similar challenges, members gain emotional support, learn about the latest treatments, and foster a sense of belonging.
At the local level, support groups such as Di's play a pivotal role in providing tailored assistance specific to the requirements of the community. Local organizations and community centers often collaborate with these groups to ensure members receive comprehensive care.
- Science and mental health are crucial components of managing chronic diseases, like Parkinson's, as emotional support plays a significant role in a person's journey with such conditions.
- Nutrition and fitness-and-exercise programs have proven beneficial for individuals dealing with Parkinson's as they help manage symptoms and improve overall health-and-wellness.
- Medical-conditions like Parkinson's often require a multidimensional approach to treatment, with support group programs offering a platform for patients to share experiences, learn about the latest research, and access resources from healthcare professionals and organizations focused on mental health and neurological diseases.
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