Toowoomba couple speaks out for Parkinson’s Awareness Month

A former signwriter, a Toowoomba man has battled through blood cancer and kidney failure, and has now opened up about a disease that impacts Australians every hour.

AT 82 years old, Toowoomba man Peter Tierney has maintained a positive mindset after battling a serious form of blood cancer, kidney failure, and now, Parkinson’s disease.

Mr Tierney was not expected to live through his cancer diagnosis, however after entering remission eight years ago, was quickly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after his wife Edwina noticed symptoms.

Peter and Edwina Tierney are members of the Toowoomba Parkinson's Support Group, and Peter has lived with the disease for eight years. Thursday, April 7, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Peter had had a lot of health issues, and we just got over that when I noticed the tremor in his hand and lips,” she said.

“When you’ve been together as long as we have, you learn each other’s facial expressions, but he had started to lose that too.”

Mr Tierney said while the condition had been stable with the help of medication and exercise, his life has changed.

After nearly ending up in a car accident, Mr Tierney made the decision to give up his license.

“I realised I was dangerous on the road,” he said.

“I feel as if I have been in control, until just recently when I had a fall.”

Mrs Tierney said while the Toowoomba Parkinson’s Support Group has been helpful, there was an element of grief with the diagnosis.

“We’ve had a really happy life together for 56 years, working together and raising our family. We’re lucky,” she said.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Originally published as Toowoomba couple speaks out for Parkinson’s Awareness Month