Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1500676
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 JUNE 2023 NEWS IN a dance studio in Swieqi, a group of individuals gath- er every week, united by their shared experiences and a desire for hope and healing. Leading them is Natalie Mus- champ, a former professional dancer who is dedicating her life to using the power of dance to help people with Parkinson's dis- ease. Having witnessed the toll, the illness took on her aunt's partner, she felt a deep connection to the cause. Parkinson's disease is a neurode- generative disorder that primarily affects the brain and results in in- voluntary movements, including shaking, stiffness, and challenges with balance and coordination. These symptoms typically wors- en gradually as the condition advances. In later stages of the disease, individuals may experi- ence difficulties with walking and speaking. With sparkling eyes and beam- ing smile Natalie spoke of her passion for dance. It began at a young age. She studied dance and honed her skills, dreaming of a career on the stage. However, fate had different plans for her when she arrived in Malta. She chose to utilise dance as a means of treatment for not only people with Parkinson's but also their caregivers. It was during her time at the University of Malta, that Natalie discovered the remarkable im- pact dance could have on individ- uals with Parkinson's disease. "What really spoke to me is my aunt, and her partner who passed away after suffering of Parkinson's. After his passing, she walked a pilgrimage all the way from Amsterdam to Rome and wrote a book about it," Natalie told me. But what started as a personal journey soon evolved into some- thing much greater - a movement that would touch over 200 lives in Malta. "I looked at my aunt and real- ised the burden her partner's dis- ease had on her. I realised there is no support for a caregiver, not just Parkinson's, but of any other illness," she said. She immersed herself in re- search, exploring the potential of creative movement in helping those with Parkinson's and their carers. The journey led her to develop a methodology centred around communication, expression, and connection. "Dancing like no one is watch- ing, or really letting go... or even screaming, it's kind of a relief. So, I tried to provide a space where individuals could feel a sense of belonging, a respite from being solely identified as patients or car- egivers, but instead be husband and wife, father and a daughter." Eager to turn her vision into re- ality, Natalie reached out to the Malta Parkinson's Disease Asso- ciation. Despite being a student at the time, she secured their sup- port and connected with physio- therapist Amy Dimech. With the association's assis- tance, Natalie organised the first pilot course, which, with time, evolved into a free-of-charge ser- vice. She sought guidance from for- mer President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who shared in- sights on applying for funds. Thanks to the support from the Community Chest Fund Founda- tion, Step Up for Parkinson's was able to offer two classes free of charge for a year. The response was overwhelm- ing, with the number of partici- pants growing from 10 to 50 and eventually reaching over 200 just before the outbreak of the COV- ID-19 pandemic. Step Up for Parkinson's has since become a beacon of hope for the Parkinson's community in Malta. Despite their achievements, the organisation faces challenges in sustaining their mission. Current- ly, they rely on rented spaces for their classes. This is why Step Up for Parkin- son's is looking into establishing their own dedicated Parkinson's centre, while also training local professionals to aid people with Parkinson's. "In Malta, we only have one per- son specializing in Parkinson's, and she does not live in Malta either. She has to commute from Gozo when she is needed." To address this, Step Up for Par- kinson's is organising a fundrais- ing marathon. This 12-hour event will be broadcasted live ONE, NET Television, and F-living, on Wednesday 7 June. Helping Parkinson's sufferers through dance: one woman's mission Natalie Muschamp is a former professional dancer. She now dedicates her time to help Parkinson's sufferers and relatives. She speaks to MARIANNA CALLEJA about her dream to set up a dedicated Parkinson's centre Natalie Muschamp, founder of Step Up for Parkinson's