Todd Murfitt

Hahndorf Boxing, Golf, Mid-distance running ...

Summary

Diagnosed at 33 with ‘Parkinson’s’. Todd’s grit to go ‘toe to toe’ with this; has built his determination to live a full life. For all 365 days of 2021 I’m aiming to complete a session of high intensity training, be it run, ride, swim or boxing.😬

Description

I have teamed up with the Michael J Fox foundation to create a challenge where I have just completed the first month of a 365 day high intensity exercise challenge to raise awareness for Young Onset Parkinson's disease. I was diagnosed in 2017 at 33 years of age. I have since had ‘awake’ brain surgery to have a stimulation device placed deep into my brain, connected to a lithium battery in my chest - something like Marvel's ‘Iron Man’!

The progression of disease has forced my resignation from my job as a school principal, but I would like to use my position and reach to the community to help support others with this challenge.

Your sponsorship will allow me to and help inspire me to complete this years challenge and guide future challenges to keep my motivation and determination strong.

I have found that the story of my battery powered brain stimulator and its insertion whilst being awake and fully conscious, always captivates an audience whether Parkinson's related or not.

You can follow my fitness challenge at team fox HITMEUP21 and on instagram shakyleadertodd

https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/tf-2021/Hitmeup

https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18136289743087543/

Reach / Links

Key figures for sponsors

I have had fairly widespread media attention with national news stories on channel 7, 10 and ABC and state and local newspaper spread. My media coverage can be found here:

http://shakyleadership.digiwell.com.au/home/recognised-achievements/media/

I have also appeared on various radio stations sharing the story of my remarkable surgery.

I have published a book detailing my experience of awake brain surgery which can be purchased here:

https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/todd-murfitt/deep-brain-stimulation-what-are-you-getting-yourself-in-for/paperback/product-186ky2v8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

I am also in the process of developing a series with HD footage of the surgery for release on line.

I will also be launching a podcast show this year.

Further to this I am nearing 1000 followers on social media, and have permission to post in Parkinson's related groups, with a reach of around 100,000.

I also have a large network of principals and schools that i can easily tap into.

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