By MARK RAYNER
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With her Parkinson's Disease getting worse, Narromine resident Sacha Whitehead needed something to lift her spirits.
The month of April was Parkinson's Awareness Month and April 11 was World Parkinson's Day so Sacha decided to raise money by selling her painting.
Money is still coming in but Sacha and her daughter Bree have already raised $2168, completing almost 60 paintings and drawings in the process.
Sacha was a former teacher, before her Parkinson's made it unbearable to work full-time. This year has been particularly tough, as she was forced to deal with the death of her father in January as well as the disease but her efforts in April have helped her.
"It has renewed my hope for a cure as I have had difficulty dealing with the progression of this disease," she said.
"After losing my father in January, my Parkinsons worsened and I am now on 14 tablets a day, every four hours. I work casually and my bosses are very understanding when I am ill.
"My children need to see me cured, but if anything they are seeing me fight and stand up for what is important. They know I need a cure."
The money Sacha raised will be donated to the Shake It Up Foundation, a Parkinson's Disease organisation that has made it their sole aim to find a cure and put 100 per cent of the money raised into research.
Her campaign mainly took place over the internet, showing her artworks on Facebook and accepting donations via the Shake It Up website.
"April was exceptionally successful. It wasn't just about money for research but raising awareness and connecting with people of all ages," Sacha said.
"Not only have I raised $2168 at this stage, but I have had so much support and been told by many they have been touched by my motivation and dedication and know more about Parkinson's Disease for this."
Sacha said her original goal for the month was to raise $700 and she was initially skeptical that she would even reach that.
However she reached $700 midway through the month. She extended her goal to be $1000 but with the word spreading about her efforts, the painting sales skyrocketed. She reached $1500 late in the month and decided to try for $2000 but even surprised herself when she reached the mark on the April 29.
Sacha has been recognised by the Shake It Up Foundation for her work and will feature as hero on their website on Friday because of her work.
"Sacha Whitehead has been a fantastic ongoing supporter of the Shake It Up Foundation through her "Portraits for Parkinsons' fundraising initiative," Shake It Up founder Clyde Campbell said.
"Sacha is an inspirational member of the Parkinson's community and I thank her for her passion and dedication."