Parkinson Alberta Society (PAS), in partnership with Parkinson Society Canada, is hosting one of its many fundraisers in Cochrane, Sept. 11.
The event is part of the annual Parkinson SuperWalk, to be held in more than 90 communities across Canada on Sept. 10-11, in an effort to raise funds for the more than 100,000 Canadians who suffer from the disease.
The Cochrane contingent will leave from the parking lot of the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site at 1 p.m., and walk for about an hour. The walk will be followed by a barbecue.
“The Parkinson SuperWalk is nationally our largest fundraising activity,” said John Petryshen, CEO of PAS. “That makes it… a really good opportunity for the community to get involved.”
Last year, the walk raised $2.8 million nationally, with Albertans contributing about $335,000 through pledges.
Cochrane resident and Parkinson’s patient Candace Soul, 65, is taking part in the walk.
Seventeen years ago, while in her 40s, the active mom was diagnosed with the debilitating disease after the muscles in her shoulder wouldn’t respond.
“My first reaction was bitterness and anger,” she said. “For the first two years, I was in denial.”
Despite the difficulty in finding support, Soul worked hard to help herself. One of her first moves was to create a fitness program for neurological wellness, which ran out of Lindsay Park recreation centre.
Since then she has continued her fitness regime, which includes weight training and swimming, in an attempt to maintain her physical abilities. She has also consulted a number of other experts such as dieticians and physical therapists, but she said she wishes more people would specialize in the disease.
Soul said some days are better than others, as her body responds differently every day.
“Timing is of the essence,” she said. “You hit the wall.”
Most frustrating is when part of her body refuses to respond. She also sometimes finds it difficult to express emotion and communicate her thoughts.
“Parkinson’s is a very misunderstood, pitiful disease,” said Soul. “People don’t understand (the implications): the mental and physical systems, the highs and lows.
Despite the difficulties, Soul has maintained her optimism, pragmatism and high energy level.
She is committed to raising awareness about the disease and reaching out to other sufferers and their families.
Soul is involved in Cochrane’s Parkinson’s support group and says the people are fantastic.
“That is the good part of Parkinson’s,” she said. “You meet so many wonderful people.”
Soul encourages anyone affected by the disease, which has no known cause, to join a PAS facilitated group.
“There is a lot of people out there with Parkinson’s,” said Soul. “What you tend to do is become recluse because of the drooling and the highs and lows, not nice things. I would encourage them to come out. It is encouraging.”
Petryshen agrees and says support is readily available and since PAS is connected to industry experts, it can be a valuable resource.
“It is really hard to fight this alone,” he said. “There is support out there for you, and until we get to meet you and know you, it is too hard to guess some of the concerns… people are facing on a day-to-day basis.”
One out of every 300 Albertans - 8,000 people - suffer from the progressive brain disease that strikes people as young as 30, affecting their independence, careers, dignity and family life.
Common symptoms of the incurable disease include tremor, slowness, balance problems and muscle rigidity. Over time, patients may experience a decreased capacity to walk, talk and swallow.
The Parkinson SuperWalk helps raise funds to support patients and their families and provides research funding.
According to Petryshen, one of the biggest issues around the disease, which costs Albertans about $48 million annually, is isolation and lack of knowledge.
PAS, which has local offices in communities throughout the province, works with individuals and families to offer education, support and resources.
For more information, to donate online or to register for the Parkinson SuperWalk, visit www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca
To gain access to services in Alberta, visit www.parkinsons-society.org or call 1-800-561-1911.
