Clinical Professor David Blacker AM will share his personal journey with Parkinson’s and discuss his book, My Fight with PD: a neurologist with Parkinson’s Disease, at the upcoming World Parkinson Congress, highlighting his dedication to advancing care and awareness.
WPC 2026, the premier international Parkinson’s conference, will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from May 24–27. The congress brings together scientists, clinicians, and people living with Parkinson’s to share research and care strategies.
At the Book Nook in the Exhibit Hall, Professor Blacker is the only Australian author to host a Meet and Greet session on 26 May. The Book Nook provides a dedicated area to showcase over 50 new titles written by community members from around the world since the last WPC three years ago.
Professor Blacker will also present a poster, A neurologist with PD; perspectives and observations as a person with Parkinson’s and physician, in Session 1 of Day 1, highlighting some of the PD related projects he is involved with, including:
- The monthly support clinic for newly people with PD, a collaboration between the Perron Institute and Parkinson’s WA
- The non-contact boxing exercise for PD program, Fazio’s PD Fighters, based on the FIGHT-PD study undertaken with boxing champion Rai Fazio and the prominent exercise physiologist Dr Travis Cruickshank
- The free yoga for PD program that he and his wife, Kirsten run at the Niche, for Parkinson’s WA
- The support group for medical practitioners with PD
- The ongoing advocacy work and emerging evidence that environmental exposures may be contributing to the significant increase in Parkinson’s globally
Professor Blacker’s book was launched at Parkinson’s WA in September last year, bringing together people living with Parkinson’s and their families. A portion of the proceeds from book sales goes to Parkinson’s WA, with more than $2,500 raised to date.
His book candidly details his experience, offering hope, resilience, and practical advice for people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and carers.
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
For more information about the World Parkinson Congress visit: https://wpc2026.org.
Photo caption: Prof David Blacker with Sue Walters, head of Clinics and Clinical Trials at the Perron Institute.