BERRY’S renowned artist and Parkinson’s disease sufferer Bernard McGrath has unveiled his artwork at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney.
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Mr McGrath said his donation was to support the importance of Parkinson’s disease research and the institution which ultimately saved his life.
“I donated a painting to the Garvan, which they decided they would like to hang where the research into Parkinson’s is carried out,” he said.
“It is primarily through the research done by Garvan and other research centres that I am still alive and functioning.”
Diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease in 1999 at 42 years of age, Mr McGrath only began painting in 2008.
He is a self-trained artist, and credits his newfound talents to Deep Brain Stimulation, a medical procedure to help treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Mr McGrath believes the procedure stimulated the right side of his brain. Prior to the procedure he appreciated art but had never participated in any artistic endeavours.
Bernard loves his newfound creativity and finds it a great form of therapy.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be able to support the research coming out of the Garvan Institute and hope my painting will encourage dialogue about Parkinson’s disease and the importance of philanthropy,” said Mr McGrath.
Garvan Institute of Medical Research Parkinson’s disease and Neurodegeneration associate professor Antony Cooper said the painting was an inspiring reminder of the complexity of the brain.
“We have made many advances in our understanding of cancer and other complex diseases but the field of neuroscience really is the next frontier for breakthroughs in medical research,” he said.
“We are currently applying significant resources to explore how a particular gene regulator, ‘stubby’, works and its potential for both a biomarker and therapeutic agent for Parkinson’s disease.
“Philanthropic support, such as that provided by Bernard and his friends and family, are vital in helping us continue our research.
“Funding is a constant and critical consideration for scientists. Everything counts and we are extremely grateful for the generosity.”
Garvan’s research focus is based on understanding the role of genes and molecular and cellular processes in health and disease as the basis for developing future preventions, treatments and cures.
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating, progressive disease that affects about 80,000 Australians and more than five million people globally.
There are no known biomarkers that can help to diagnose Parkinson’s disease until mid-disease stage, by which time there is a more than 50 per cent loss of specific brain cells. There is no known cause of Parkinson’s disease and no cure, nor treatments to slow the progression of the disease.