Raising awareness of CrossFit for Parkinson's

Hello, I'm Jules,

I've started this GoFundMe page, hoping I can find financial support to attend the adaptive neuromuscular category of Wodcelona CrossFit event in Barcelona.

By attending this event, I am helping raise awareness that exercise may be able to reverse the effects of Parkinson's. My disability prevents me from working, but Cross fit is helping me build strength for everyday things that most people take for granted, like being able to walk with a full coffee cup.

All donations will go towards attending the event and completing a documentary in the hope I can inspire other Parkinson's sufferers and improve their quality of life.

Here's my story so far...

I was always an active person and really into sports. At age 19, I was dancing on the dance floor of a club, and my big toe curled up and would not relax - however hard I tried. Unknown to me then, this was one of my first symptoms and the start of a long road to diagnosis. Finally, after sixteen years, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s dystonia.

After spending all of my 20s and early 30’s wheelchair bound, I could move a bit once the medication started working. Even though it is sometimes a strange way to move it was moving! I was determined to live the active life I had always wanted. I have since found that exercise is a massive part of keeping me mobile and functioning and helping my drugs work.

My journey of exercise with Parkinson’s began! I started with just walking, slowly increasing to swimming, cycling, and running. I went on to take part in three triathlons. THEN I found CrossFit, which had turned into my passion! I love it!!

I have been doing CrossFit for over a year; I entered the CrossFit open and came 23rd in the world of the neuromuscular category. That left me hungry for more competitions, so I entered Wodcelona. Suppose I can find financial support to make this trip. In that case, I'd like to go further, attend other events and complete a documentary to show other people living with Parkinson's that everyday life can be much better after your diagnosis through Crossfit.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and considering supporting me on this mission. Any support you can find will be a huge help.