Former Crow Mark Mickan can still remember the day he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and the emotions he felt.
The inaugural Adelaide Club Champion and former Brisbane Bears player said he was shocked after being diagnosed at 55 years old and originally wanted to hide it.
“I was a bit surprised, my GP advised me to go see a Neurologist, and I was shocked when I was diagnosed,” Mickan said.
“My Dad had Parkinson’s and my brother Kym has also been diagnosed, so there’s a genetic component to it, I think.
“I didn’t want to tell anyone at first, I was coaching West Adelaide at the time but I eventually disclosed my secret and everyone was really supportive and expressed their concern.”
Eight years on from the initial diagnosis and as he continues to battle the disease, past Crows players are rallying to help their former teammate.
For the next 24 hours ex-Crows players, including former Skipper Mark Bickley, Rod Jameson, Ryan Fitzgerald, Ken McGregor and Ben Marsh, will take part in Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s - a stationary cycling challenge - at Adelaide Oval.
The funds raised from the 24-hour challenge will go to The Hospital Research Foundation Group - Parkinson’s, which supports those living with Parkinson’s, as well as their families, carers and health professionals.
Speaking to AFC Media Mickan, 63, said he was grateful for the support.
“Mark Bickley has been great in getting behind the cause, like all the footballing community in SA, everyone has been so great in supporting it and raising money,” Mickan said.
“I appreciate everything the guys are doing for me and hope they have fun on the bike.”
The father-of-two said he was fortunate enough to have benefited from innovative surgery undergone in 2019, in which three implants were placed inside his brain and linked to two pulse generators on either side of his chest.
The implants and generators help control tremors and other symptoms.
But Mickan, who also played for Brisbane and West Adelaide, said many sufferers were not as lucky as he was.
“The surgery has helped ease some of my symptoms,” Mickan said.
“I am feeling well and the surgery has been a real benefit for me, it's enabled me to continue exercising as well, so that’s really helped.
“There’s no cure for Parkinson’s, though, but it does allow me to still do things so I am very fortunate to have had the surgery and fortunate with the results.
“Many people with the disease aren’t as lucky as I am, though.”
Bickley, who played alongside Mickan, said his former teammate’s positivity throughout his fight should be commended and was keen to help in any way he could.
“Mark has been so positive across the past eight years and it’s a real testament to the person he is,” Bickley said.
“The cycling challenge is just a small way for us to help support not only Mark but also others suffering with Parkinson’s, and we can’t wait for the challenge.”
To donate to Team Mickan, click here.
