Here is Marz’s story in her own words:

I met Michael, a wonderful man living with Young Onset Parkinson’s, in January 2018. What was meant to be a quick coffee turned into a beautiful five-hour conversation. We talked about our families, our work, our hobbies, everything that makes life meaningful. It was love at first sight. From that day, we’ve been inseparable. 

Michael didn’t mention his Parkinson’s that first day, and I’m grateful he didn’t. True to his kind and respectful nature, he shared his diagnosis on our second date. He’d been formally diagnosed in 2016 and, being the gentleman he is, he gave me an out, reassuring me that he would understand completely if I chose not to continue. 

I’ll admit, hearing the news was overwhelming. I cried. Not out of fear, but out of uncertainty. It’s hard when you meet someone who feels like “the one” and suddenly face a reality you hadn’t expected. But once I processed it, I realised what an extraordinary person Michael is. He gave us the chance to truly connect before sharing something so deeply personal. That act of trust and vulnerability told me everything I needed to know about his character. 

Life together 

These days, we do almost everything side by side. We have a carer to take him to a couple of appointments one day a week so I can focus on my graphic design business, which I run from home. On other days, I’m there to support Michael, reminding him to check his medication pump in case he forgot to turn it on, lending a hand when needed, or simply being there. We are also lucky enough to get help from a cleaner once a week – that one was hard for me to allow initially, but now I’m grateful for the help. 

Michael can no longer drive, so I take care of errands and appointments. His condition requires a wide range of therapies, with exercise being vital to maintaining his health for as long as possible. His weekly schedule includes personal training sessions tailored to his neurological needs, neuro-physiotherapy, a specialised “Fightback” class, speech pathology via Telehealth, and regular appointments with a psychologist. 

It’s a full calendar and that’s before factoring in the daily need for rest, or the sleep disruptions that often come with Parkinson’s. There’s so much more to this disease than a tremor, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

Rewards 

I often say I’ve been given a second chance, a chance to love and be loved by someone as remarkable as Michael. 

Every day, we feel grateful for the support of our family and friends who check in, lend a hand, and simply understand. We’ve met many others who walk a similar path, and that shared understanding brings comfort and strength. Parkinson’s Australia has also been a vital source of information, advocacy, and community for us. 

These experiences have reshaped what we value most. We don’t sweat the small stuff anymore, it truly doesn’t matter. Caring for someone with a degenerative condition changes you, it softens the ego and opens the heart. 

We make the most of our time together. We laugh, we rest, we support one another. I’ve also learned so much, especially about compassion, both for carers and for those they care for. I’m learning to ask for help when I need it, which hasn’t always come naturally. There are incredible services out there, such as Griefline, a government initiative that provides much-needed support in Australia. 

We have 4 adult children between us, their partners and four beautiful Granddaughters that we love and cherish and are so incredibly proud of. 

Challenges 

Helplessness: There are moments when I wish I could take this away for him. But I can’t. The hardest lesson has been learning to accept what can’t be changed and finding peace in that acceptance. 

Social isolation: I used to be deeply involved in community groups and sports, most recently, a dragon boating club at West Lakes, where training and competitions filled my week. I miss it but can’t do everything anymore. These days, my time is more limited, and socialising can be hard when Michael isn’t feeling well enough. 

Mental health impact: Watching someone you love struggle brings its own emotional toll. There are days filled with anxiety, sadness, and worry. It’s a constant balance of caring for his wellbeing and protecting my own. 

Financial strain: Managing a small business, particularly in a rapidly changing landscape affected by AI, adds another layer of pressure. Working remotely helps me stay flexible for appointments and caring duties, but being the main income earner can be tough, some weeks are truly challenging. 

Through it all, love remains the constant. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Our journey isn’t defined by Parkinson’s, it’s defined by the way we face it together. 

Thank you for sharing your story Marz 

Caring for someone you love can be both beautiful and demanding. At Griefline, we honour the strength it takes to show up every day;  to give, to care, and to keep going, even when it’s hard. This National Carers Week, we extend our gratitude to all carers and remind you that you’re not alone. Support, understanding and connection are always here when you need them.