How Bonnie Dykes’ generosity continues to support people living with Parkinson’s 

The first time I noticed something was wrong with my mother was during a visit to Italy. 

I was studying abroad when my mom, Bonnie Dykes, came to visit. We would go for walks together, but I was often 20 metres ahead of her. She seemed to be moving more slowly, and her foot was dragging slightly to one side as she walked. 

It took a long time for Mom to get an appointment with a neurologist. When she finally did, she called to tell me she had Parkinson’s. 

Finding guidance in uncertainty 

I didn’t know what to think. I had so many questions. What did this mean for Mom’s life? Her future? Would she still be able to travel and do all the other things she loved? 

We were facing a lot of uncertainty in those early days, but Parkinson Canada helped us make sense of what was happening. Through its website and resources, we found answers that helped us understand what Mom was facing and how we could best support her. 

For many years, medication helped my mom live a good quality of life. But eventually, Parkinson’s began to affect her mobility, independence, and cognitive ability. 

“There’s a moment of panic when a beloved family member is diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Thankfully, Parkinson Canada gave us somewhere to turn.” 

And yet, my mother wasn’t one to dwell on what Parkinson’s was taking from her. She faced it with incredible grace, determined to live fully. When my son, Spencer, was born in 2023, Mom flew from Ontario to Alberta to meet him. I saw the challenges she was coping with and mourned what that visit would have been without Parkinson’s. I remember thinking, “If she could, she’d be taking care of me while I take care of him, but instead I have to help her too.” 

What mattered most to Mom

Being there for friends and family was always important to Mom. She made everyone around her feel that they mattered. Parkinson Canada’s vital work mattered to her too, and she proudly became a monthly donor. 

Mom believed strongly in Parkinson’s research. She knew it could lead to better treatments and bring us closer to understanding why Parkinson’s happens in the first place. 

My sister, Kathleen, and I share our mother’s commitment to Parkinson Canada. The three of us talked about it shortly before Mom passed away in April 2026. Mom wanted to leave a legacy gift to Parkinson Canada, and we were happy to honour her wishes. 

It means a great deal to know that Mom’s generosity is helping to fund promising research, while also supporting crucial programs and services for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. 

A legacy that lives on

At Christmas time in 2025, Mom was joyfully dancing with my nephew. A few months later, we were by her side, preparing to say goodbye for the last time. 

Today, my adventurous, loving mother may be gone, but her legacy of caring lives on. Just as she did in life, she will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of others. 

Visit our Legacy Giving page or contact our team to learn more about leaving a gift in your will.  

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