Shake, Rattle and Roll (ATOM Study Guide)

Shake, Rattle and Roll is a documentary suitable for secondary students that tells the story of Ross Collins, a man in his mid-forties who, at the time of filming, had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for twelve years.

'Ross Collins is a man living with Parkinson's. He says he rides a Harley because it shakes and because he shakes it's the only time he feels normal.' – Ric Holland, former CEO of Parkinson's Victoria

Before his diagnosis, Ross was a detective sergeant with the Victorian Police and married with two children. Following his diagnosis, Ross' wife became the breadwinner, returning to work as an emergency ward nurse while Ross took care of the house and the children. After Ross' father (a general practitioner) gives him a book about a healer in a small town in central Brazil, Ross and his father decide to make the trip in search of treatment and maybe even a cure.
This film is a portrayal of a family's struggle to deal with the challenge of managing Parkinson's disease and Ross' determination to raise awareness of the disease as he delivers a United Nations Charter to prominent politicians.

Curriculum Links:
This film will have relevance and interest for secondary and tertiary level students of:

• Health and Human Development
• Personal Development
• English
• Media Studies