Living with Parkinson's Disease - Michael Buckley's Perspective
Michael Buckley: A Life of Creativity Amidst Challenges
Michael Buckley, a creative spirit born in New Zealand 65 years ago, has called Australia home for most of his life. After living in Springvale, Melbourne by the age of six months, he and his wife, Sue, resided in the Collingwood and Fitzroy area in Melbourne for 20 years.
In the late 90s, the couple moved to a holiday house near Jervis Bay, Australia, which later became their permanent residence. This move marked a significant change in their lifestyle, allowing them to enjoy the tranquillity of the coastal surroundings.
Michael's only child, Simeon, lives in Melbourne, while his first grandchild was born last year. Due to COVID travel restrictions, they didn't meet their grandchild until November.
Despite the challenges posed by Parkinson's disease, Michael continues to engage in creative activities such as drawing, writing, and making short films. His dedication to his craft is evident in his work, which includes resources for various disability groups through short films and animation for over 30 years.
Michael's driving ability remains reasonably good, and he exercises regularly, including riding an electric bike every morning and doing yoga once a week. His health practitioner has advised him to be affirmative of himself and continue doing things he enjoys, particularly his creative work.
In 2015, Michael received an Australia Council grant for an exhibition of his paintings in Hamburg, Germany. He is also planning to visit a Parkinson's specialist for an update on his treatment.
Interestingly, Michael did not complete a teaching degree and instead studied animation and film-making. He has made a significant impact in the field, working tirelessly to create resources for those with disabilities.
Michael's main contact with Parkinson's information and support is through a specialist nurse named Nina. Unfortunately, he doesn't have any friends with Parkinson's, but he remains optimistic and resilient in his fight against the disease.
Michael's Parkinson's diagnosis was 'quite mild' in its initial effects, and he went two and a half years without taking any medications. Despite the challenges, Michael's spirit remains undeterred, and he continues to make a difference in the lives of many through his creative work.
[1] Parkinson's disease studies [2] Neurology research articles related to Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders [3] General sources on Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders
- Michael's creative work often includes resources for individuals dealing with various chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and cancer.
- In alignment with his career in health and wellness, Michael has shown interest in learning more about the impact of nutrition on aging and cardiovascular health.
- Michael also values educational resources on mental health, particularly men's health and the importance of maintaining mental well-being.
- In the realm of personal growth and career development, Michael has expressed interest in exploring self-development strategies, like sports and fitness and exercise, to improve his physical and mental strength.
- Recently, Michael has shown a keen interest in widening his skillset by learning about sports-betting and its associated mathematics.
- Remarkably, Michael has harbored a long-standing passion for basketball and expresses a desire to share his insights on basketball and related sports through his creative work.
- As his career evolves, Michael is increasingly considering opportunities for education and self-development in the field of skin care, seeking to create resources and content that promote overall health and wellness.
- Michael's journey in career development has impressively allowed him to blend his enthusiasm for creatively documenting the lives of those with disabilities and the growing field of workplace-wellness.
- Michael’s strong commitment to chronic-diseases awareness and education has earned him recognition within his community, sparking conversations about the importance of early detection, acceptance, and overall disease management.
- In considering Michael’s lifetime of creative pursuits, it's evident that he's always taken a holistic approach to his work, emphasizing the interconnections between science, creativity, and well-being.
