Clinical Professor David Blacker AM has published his deeply personal journey in a book titled My Fight with PD: a neurologist with Parkinson’s Disease.
The official launch was held at Parkinson’s WA, bringing together people living with Parkinson’s and their families. A portion of proceeds will be directed to Parkinson’s WA.
During this heartwarming event, Professor Blacker shared that he was inspired by the impact of his 800-word article in Practical Neurology published by the British Medical Journal Group in 2020.
“Initially, I felt self-indulgent, and then realised I was in a unique position to help people,” Professor Blacker said. “I received so many emails following the journal article and saw the impact it could have.
“I always enjoyed writing. For my book, I particularly enjoyed writing in a relaxed style to make it more accessible for everyone. I also wanted my colleagues to have a better and deeper insight into what it is to have Parkinson’s.”
In his book, Professor Blacker candidly shares his experience, offering hope and resilience.
He shares a rollercoaster of several medical/health battles, and there were several within a few years. He also shared dark thoughts he had, including suicide ideation, as he believes it is critical for doctors to keep in mind that the risk of suicide is particularly high after the diagnosis of degenerative neurological conditions.
He highlights carers need to be looked after as well. Carers’ stress can be enormous. He suggests taking breaks and reducing the pressure. He also highlighted his wife, Kirsten and said without her love and care, he couldn’t have written his book.
He offers practical advice for people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and carers, such as bringing a list of questions to medical appointments, attending with a partner or family member, and choosing easy-to-manage clothing and shoes.
To close out the Q&A session at the book launch, Professor Blacker’s father, Kevin Blacker, endearingly shared anecdotes about his son, including how he showed signs of interest in medicine from the age of four. “In his career, David has improved the place for stroke patients and developed advancements in stroke medicine, so watch out for Parkinson’s – go for it, son!”
For more information or to order My Fight with PD online through the Parkinson’s WA website, visit: https://www.parkinsonswa.org.au/parkinsonswa-store/My-FIGHT-with-PD
Photo caption: L-R Sue Walters (Head of Clinics and Clinical Trials at the Perron Institute), Kirsten and David Blacker, Yasmin Naglazas (CEO of Parkinson’s WA), photo courtesy of Parkinson’s WA.