Swimming for Parkinson's – My Journey, My Mission

$3,500 of $4,000 goal
Given by 42 generous donors in around 8 months

Fundraising for Parkinson's New Zealand

Nationwide

I've recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – just last week in fact.

It’s a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination—and it’s a lot to take in. My father-in-law also lived with Parkinson’s, so I know the toll it can take.

But I’m not stopping.

Before my diagnosis, I’d already committed to a huge personal challenge: swimming the full 40km length of Lake Taupō. That’s the equivalent of running four marathons back-to-back. I’ve been training hard, with an even bigger goal in mind: crossing the Cook Strait.

Now, I’m turning this swim into something bigger:

I’m raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s New Zealand, who support thousands of Kiwis living with this condition. They provide nurses, educators, support groups, resources, advocacy—and they rely on donations to keep going.

This cause is now deeply personal. By supporting this swim, you’re helping me face this challenge head-on, and you're supporting others across Aotearoa on their own Parkinson’s journey.

Please donate if you can. Every dollar helps—and keeps me motivated to keep training, swimming, and moving forward.

Your support means everything.

(P.S. Please share!)

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Latest update

Change of Swim Date  10 March 2026

The mission remains the same to swim the length of Lake Taupo. However, due to an injury I extended my swim window out and it is now between the 15th to 22nd April weather permitting. Will keep you up to date with how training proceeds but I have been getting back on track.

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Latest donations

Caitlin
Caitlin on 24 Mar 2026
Good Luck Dean!
$15
James
James on 14 Mar 2026
Big cheers and support from Gizzie Dean. Jim and Diane
$200
Carl
Carl on 02 Mar 2026
$150
Dean Madsen

Thanks so much Carl your support is greatly appreciated.

Dean Madsen
Sally
Sally on 21 Jan 2026
The Franchise New Zealand media team is cheering you on Dean :)
$200
Dean Madsen

Hi Sally, Thanks to both you and the Team for support and promotion, Training is now ramping up and I am looking forward to swim.

Dean Madsen
Sally
Sally on 21 Jan 2026
Hoping that elbow injury is recovering well and that you are starting to build up the k's again Dean. Hugs, Sally K.
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Dean Madsen's avatar
Created by Dean Madsen
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This campaign started on 18 Aug 2025 and ends on 25 Apr 2026.