This September, family, friends and co-workers are teaming up for Parkinson SuperWalk to inspire hope in over 13,300 British Columbians living with Parkinson’s disease.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the event taking place in British Columbia, with over 20 communities participating. Registered walkers will exercise their superpowers by generating awareness of the disease and helping to raise funds for valuable education, resources, support services and research.
You can help make a difference by joining our community heroes on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. at Willow Point Hall.
Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) is committed to helping those affected by Parkinson’s disease live well. Research has shown that exercise plays an important role in helping to manage the symptoms of the disease. As a result, the Society has invested significant resources in training professionals to lead Parkinson’s specific exercise programming in communities across the province.
In 2015, the Society doubled their programming over the previous year, including introducing webinar presentations to expand their reach.
“The programs and services offered by the Society are essential,” says Jean Blake, CEO of PSBC. “The positive feedback we have received from the attendees of our educational sessions has often times indicated that the information shared was life altering. This is frequently the case with our communication & swallow seminars, which help to combat the loss of voice and reduce swallowing issues that are symptoms from the disease.”
As PSBC receives no government funding, the Society relies entirely on the generous donations of individuals and corporations to provide their programs & services. As the largest fundraiser of the year, Parkinson SuperWalk is integral to PSBC’s operations.
At the heart of the success of SuperWalk are the participants, including Jim who has had Parkinson’s for about 10 years. He goes for a brisk walk daily to help combat some of the effects of the disease. We as a family benefit greatly from the support and services offered by The Parkinson Society Of BC and our local support group The Campbell River Parkinson Self Help Support Group.
Every year, thousands of British Columbians like Jim, participate in Parkinson SuperWalk. Together, through our fundraising efforts, we can continue our quest for a cure and support those touched by Parkinson’s.
To donate, or find a walk and register, visit parkinsonsuperwalk.com or call 1-800-668-3330. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@ParkinsonsBC) for the latest resources and news.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Over 13,300 British Columbians have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and due to the increase in the aging population, the number of Canadians over 40 living with Parkinson’s is expected to rise 65 percent by 2031. Parkinson’s not only affects those with the disease, it also affects family members and carepartners. It is the second most common neuro-degenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease.
About the Parkinson Society of British Columbia
Established in 1969, PSBC is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to provide a voice for British Columbians living with Parkinson’s. Its purpose is to ease the burden and find a cure for Parkinson’s disease through advocacy, education, research and support services. The Society receives no government funding and is supported entirely by the generosity of individual donors and members, corporations, foundations and the dedicated efforts of volunteers.