What is undeniable about life with Parkinson’s is that change and transition are the norm. And what we have learned is that those who are flexible and adaptable have the best outcomes in managing their disease. That life lesson is relevant to Parkinson Society Canada as we evolve and transform our organization to best serve the Parkinson’s community in Canada.

There is strength in unity. Through partnerships and alliances, we have become stronger in our ability to deliver on our mission as the national voice for Canadians with Parkinson’s. Throughout 2015, we have made positive strides through these trusted relationships with researchers in the scientific community, health care professionals, our pan-Canadian network of regional Parkinson Societies, and coalitions with champions who advocate for change. Recently, we updated you on Bill C-68, a good first step in bringing forward meaningful legislation on genetic fairness, though there was no commitment made by the government regarding regulating the insurance companies to ensure that disclosed genetic information cannot be misused to make unfair decisions regarding premiums and overall eligibility. We will continue to call on government to take appropriate steps to amend this.

Over the past five decades, we have been steadfast in our focus to hold people with Parkinson’s at the heart of all we do. We are grateful to our donors, supporters, volunteers and employees who enable us to bring hope by delivering world-class education, research, advocacy and supportive services and programs to individuals and families in communities coast to coast.

There are many ways to get involved in Canada’s Parkinson’s community whether you share your voice as a Parkinson Ambassador for the upcoming federal election, volunteer and fundraise for events like Parkinson SuperWalk or take an hour of your day to listen to a webinar on the latest developments in treatment in Parkinson’s. We recently invited you to participate in a survey for caregivers and we are sharing some news on the results in this issue. We also presented to nurses about the Canadian Guidelines on Parkinson’s Disease at the Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses at their annual conference and how this resource can help improve care for their Parkinson’s patients.

As Parkinson Society Canada celebrates the 50 year milestone in 2015, we will lead the way to strengthen community connections to best serve you while the quest for a cure continues.