Living with Parkinson's - The Story of Michael Buckley
In the picturesque town of Jervis Bay, Michael Buckley, a renowned animator and filmmaker with over 40 years of experience, lives a life filled with resilience and creativity. Born in New Zealand and raised in Melbourne, Buckley has had a colourful journey that includes living in Europe for three years, working odd jobs in Germany, France, and living in squats in London.
Buckley's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. After a period of denial, he accepted his diagnosis and decided to approach it with optimism. "My best days are when I don't think about it too much," he shares.
His wife, Sue, often travels for extended periods, leaving their only child, Simeon, in Melbourne. This family dynamic, combined with Sue's diagnosis of breast cancer, has undeniably presented challenges. However, Buckley remains positive, finding solace in his regular exercise routine, which includes riding an electric bike every morning and doing yoga once a week.
Buckley's main contact with Parkinson's information and support is through a Parkinson's Specialist Nurse named Nina. He also uses humour to cope with the condition, creating short films and cartoons about it. His drawing ability, a vital part of his creative work, has not been affected by Parkinson's.
In 2015, Buckley received an Australia Council grant for an exhibition of his paintings in Hamburg, Germany. His creative work extends beyond the arts, as he has created resources for various disability groups on their rights and issues through short films and animation for 30 years.
Last year, Buckley's first grandchild was born, but travel restrictions due to COVID-19 prevented them from meeting until November. Despite the challenges, Buckley remains hopeful and is planning to visit a Parkinson's specialist for an update on his treatment.
While specific details about Buckley's personal journey with Parkinson's, including the alternate treatments he may have used, are not publicly available, it is clear that he faces his condition with determination and a spirit of adventure. His story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that creativity and resilience can help navigate even the most challenging of circumstances.
[1] Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, notably impacted by genetic mutations like those in the DJ-1 gene, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. (Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) [4] Alternate treatments for Parkinson’s often include medications such as levodopa, as well as experimental therapies targeting mitochondrial function or oxidative stress. (Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research)
- Michael Buckley, despite his career in animation and filmmaking, has had to navigate the challenges of a progressive neurodegenerative disorder called Parkinson's disease.
- Parkinson’s disease, influenced by genetic mutations like those in the DJ-1 gene, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, is a chronic condition marked by the loss of dopaminergic neurons.
- In the face of this medical condition, Buckley has remained resilient, finding solace in workplace-wellness practices such as regular exercise and yoga.
- His exercise routine includes activities like riding an electric bike every morning and doing yoga once a week, which have proven beneficial for managing his chronic diseases.
- Apart from resistant physical exercises, Buckley also focuses on maintaining good digestive health, eye-health, hearing, and skin-care.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in his health routine, ensuring he consumes a balanced diet for overall wellness.
- According to various sources, alternate treatments for Parkinson’s often involve medications like levodopa and experimental therapies targeting mitochondrial function or oxidative stress.
- Buckley may have incorporated such therapies and treatments into his personal care regimen, though specific details are not publicly available.
- His determination to cope with his chronic kidney disease is further reflected in his artistic work, where he often uses humor as a coping mechanism through short films and cartoons about his condition.
- In addition to working in sports like basketball, Buckley has extended his creative work to create resources for people with chronic diseases, focusing on their rights and issues through short films and animation for 30 years.
- Education and self-development are essential aspects of Buckley's personal growth, as evidenced by his goal-setting and commitment to fitness and exercise.
- As a grandfather, Buckley faced the challenge of not meeting his first grandchild due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.
- However, even in the face of adversity, Buckley remains optimistic, planning to visit a Parkinson’s specialist for an update on his treatment.
- Buckley's inspiring journey tackling Parkinson’s disease illustrates the power of creativity and resilience in overcoming obstacles and highlights the importance of maintaining health and wellness at every stage of life, even during challenging periods such as parenting and aging.
