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Campbell River will host Parkinson SuperWalk

On Sunday, on the Rotary Seawalk, Campbell River will host Parkinson SuperWalk to raise funds for a cure and support services provided by Parkinson Society British Columbia

On Sunday, on the Rotary Seawalk, Campbell River will host Parkinson SuperWalk to raise funds for a cure and support services provided by Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) for individuals living with Parkinson’s in this province.

Parkinson SuperWalk is the largest and most important fundraising national event of the year and takes place in 90 communities across Canada, 11 of which are in BC.

The goals are to raise $325,000 in BC and $3 million nationally.

Parkinson SuperWalk is considered a celebration of life and victory over adversity.

Participants view this event as a “family affair” as most walk in support of a relative.

“Both my father and my father-in law had Parkinson Disease,” says Chris, a dedicated SuperWalker. When my husband was diagnosed with the disease in 2005, my concern was for my children and grandchildren. While Parkinson’s was not generally considered to be a genetic disorder, it was known to run in families.”

“Parkinson Society British Columbia was there for me when I approached them with questions about the disease affecting my family,” explains Chris. “Raising funds through Superwalk pledges seemed like the best way to give back.

“The walkers are the real heroes. The money they raise funds research and support services that will improve the quality of life for everyone who has Parkinson’s.”

Chris will be walking for her husband, in memory of her father and father-in-law, and to build a better future for her granddaughters, Abi and Everleigh.

In 2010, PSBC contributed $320,000 to researchers in B.C.: Dr. Martin McKeown, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre at UBC, Dr. Gordon Rintoul and Dr. Frank Lee, Simon Fraser University, Catherine Winstanley and Kaitlyn Roland, both from UBC-Okanagan.

Parkinson’s is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s.

Parkinson’s is a cruel disease that affects not only the person with Parkinson’s but also their entire family.

The symptoms are many and include tremor, rigidity, postural instability, difficulty talking, walking and swallowing, reduced facial expression, depression and dementia.

It can strike anyone – women and men of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles are affected.

There is currently no known cure.

For more information on the SuperWalk visit  www.parkinson.bc.ca or call  Chris at 250-923-4162.

Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)

Established in 1969, PSBC is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to address the personal and social consequences of Parkinson’s disease through education, outreach, scientific research, advocacy and public awareness.

The Society receives no government funding and is supported entirely by the generosity of members, corporations, foundations and the dedicated efforts of volunteers across the province.