Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund
The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund Research Fund was founded by Carol Smit for raising donations toward bipolar research. This Bipolar Research Fund is Inaugural for Australia.
The Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund has been established in loving memory of Ian by his sister Carol Smit as a living testimony to Ian’s beautiful spirit.
Bipolar Disorder is very different from the normal ‘ups and downs’ that everyone goes through.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and are persistent, lasting over 2 weeks for depression and a week for mania.
A person’s ability to function in their normal role is affected, and tragically, suicide risk is greatly increased.
Early recognition and effective early treatment is vital to the future well-being of people with bipolar mood symptoms. The positive news is that with effective treatment bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead satisfying and productive lives.The Ian Parker Fund is committed to supporting research that improves the quality of life for people with bipolar disorder. But we need your help.
Physical disabilities are given quite a lot of well deserved air time, but with Mental Health much support is required. Government intervention and financial support is vital for supporting Mental Health Programs such as Bipolar Disorder with education and awareness, encouraging empathy and community support in breaking down the much too often seen ‘stigma’ and ignorance associated with Bipolar Disorder and most other Mental Health illnesses.
There are currently 10-15,000 people in Geelong Victoria with the illness and it has far reaching effects on their families and the wider community. Mental health is the major cause of disability in the community. Rotary Health has made an important contribution to making Australia a world leader in research and treatment.
Please consider your friend, work colleague, school mate, neighbour or family member who is struggling every day as the researchers strive for answers to lessen the daily torment of the insidious nature and very prevalent disorder of bipolar. Your donations will make a difference! Do not hold back – please help us to work together to make this difference!
Carol Smit
My Personal Story and Tribute to the Life of Ian Parker:
IAN’S PAINFUL TORMENTED LIFE WILL NOT BE LIVED IN VAIN –
Ian’s sister Carol Smit has vowed to fulfil Ian’s last wish – to find ‘meaning’ and give a ‘purpose’ for his suffering.
Little did I know I would be fulfilling this ‘purpose’ without him by my side, but alone.
The Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund has been dedicated to make the ‘purpose’ of Ian’s suffering and the ‘meaning’ of his sacrificed life a worthwhile journey - to help through research provide a better quality of life – to find the cause and a cure for bipolar disorder – and to help lessen the pain and suffering for many families and their care-givers.
To see in-depth version of Ian’s life story scroll to bottom of each page, click ’see more’:
www.ianparkerfund.blogspot.com
January 2000
One very ‘precious moment’ of our last photo taken together
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APRIL 2014: *Breaking News
New online self-help program for Bipolar Disorder
Carol Smit wishes to congratulate Emma Gliddon as the worthy recipient of the inaugural Australian Rotary Health/Ian Parker Bipolar Fund PhD Scholarship for Bipolar Research and acknowledge the much dedicated work of selfless hours Emma has devoted toward the ‘birthing’ of this inaugural online self-help Program for Bipolar Disorder. Emma was awarded her PhD Scholarship 30th April 2013 by Carol Smit at a Civic Reception Colac Victoria Australia. May much insight be gleaned by the researchers from the participants who wish to partake in this online program toward the betterment of quality of life and for a deeper understanding for those living with Bipolar Disorder.
Advocator of say ’NO’ to stigma – Striving for ‘ZERO’ tolerance toward stigma!
Carol Smit
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‘BREAKING NEWS’
World Mental Health Day
10th October 2013
Appointment of our inaugural Ambassador
We are honoured to announce the appointment of ‘Australia’s King of Circus’ Mr Roy Maloy as our inaugural Ambassador for the Ian Parker Bipolar Fund
We are so honoured to embrace Roy as our inaugural Ambassador. We are very positive of how much of an asset Roy will be for the Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund as he proudly represents us at many of our fundraising events.
CIRCUS KING APPOINTED AS AMBASSADOR
Roy’s Story: World Mental Health Day October 10.
Few conditions carry the social and personal complexities that are faced by those who suffer from bipolar disorder. To commemorate Mental Health Day on October 10th the Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund has joined forces with one of Australia’s most accomplished entertainment icons to raise awareness for the work it does across the community.
As a partner of the Rotary Health Organisation, The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund announced this week that Australian Circus King, Roy Maloy, would step into the role as its first official Ambassador. Maloy who has had long personal and professional associations with numerous charities including the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, the CWA and the Salvos and was invited to accept the awareness and fundraising role by the Fund’s Manager, Carol Smit.
‘We are very grateful to have someone as diversely talented as Roy offering to be an Ambassador. His efforts will assist with the Australian Rotary Health PhD Scholarship Program for Bipolar Research as funds already raised through the Ian Parker Bipolar Fund have provided a PhD Scholarship worth a total value of $87,000.00 to be recently presented to Emma Gliddon from Portarlington. Emma is a PhD Student at Deakin University Geelong and will qualify with the inaugural ‘Doctorate of Bipolar Research’ for Australia at the end of her 3 year PhD Scholarship Program. Having an ambassador as colourful and as frankly brilliant as Roy Maloy supporting and vocally championing our efforts to the community means that we can reach out to a huge number of people who can also support our efforts’, Carol said.
‘I don’t think anyone really understands just how hard it is to face depression, mental illness or bipolar unless they have experienced it first hand,’ Maloy explains. ‘When Carol invited me to be a part of the awareness and fundraising campaign of The Ian Parker Fund, and to help spread the word that ‘it’s ok to discuss bipolar’ and make people more aware of how the community can support those who it affects, I was delighted I could help’.
As the holder of six world records, a cult following, and the inventor of a genre of modern art Maloy would appear to find it easier than most to get the attention of the masses in his new role as Ambassador. To that end, Maloy will be displaying a large scale exhibition of paintings in Melbourne in early 2014 as a fundraising event to assist the work of the Fund.
Ian Parker Bipolar Fund Ambassador Agreement 2013
I accept the nomination to be an Ambassador for the Ian Parker Bipolar Fund 2013.
As part of this agreement I agree to the following participation:
1. Through my professional activities and personal charisma I will share the commitment of improving mental health and reducing the stigma associated with it.
2. Take part in an occasional interview with the media, which may include radio and TV interviews.
3. Use my professional and public esteem to endorse and promote The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund.
4. If available, attend as many local and national fundraising incentives for The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund.
5. Promote the charity – The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund.
6. Promote the partnership of Australian Rotary Health PhD Scholarship Program for Bipolar Research.
7. Promote the value of competitive research.
8. Challenge the misinformation about Mental Health issues.
9. Allow The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund and Australian Rotary Health to use my photo and name as an Ambassador in conjunction with the ARH/IPBF PhD Scholarship Program for Bipolar Research.
Please indicate your availability to be involved:
I am available to attend the official Presentation Event for the induction as Inaugural Ambassador of The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund (Venue and date to be confirmed)
I am willing to participate in interviews with the media.
If yes, please provide the best phone number for contact: (supplied)
Full Name: Roy McPherson Signed: Roy McPherson Date: 1st September 2013
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For more information about this subject or any other on this site please contact
Carol Smit Founder, Manager and Event Organiser of The Ian Parker Bipolar Fund
The partnership letter of acknowledgment from Australian Rotary Health
to the Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund
3rd February 2012
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
As from 1st February 2012, Carol Smit – Ian Parker Bipolar Fund is permitted to raise funds on behalf of Australian Rotary Health.
Previously all fundraising was through the Bipolar Research Foundation through the University of Melbourne.
All funds raised will be used to commence a PhD research scholarship – named the Ian Parker Bipolar PhD Scholarship under the auspices of Australian Rotary Health.
P Joy Gillett OAM
Secretary
Patrons
● Glen Kinross AO, RI President 1997-98
Royce Abbey AM DCM, RI President 1988-89
Sir Clem Renouf AM, RI President 1978-79
Post Office Box 3455, Parramatta NSW 2124 Phone 02 8837 1900 Fax 02 9635 5042
www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au admin@australianrotaryhealth.org.au
Supporting healthier minds, bodies and communities through research, awareness and education
Carol Smit was elected to Rotarian Membership of the Rotary Club of Colac West
Tuesday 23rd October 2012
carol*bipolarresearchfund.org.au
0448 271 044
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