Marina Joseph

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and during this 50th anniversary year, more than ever we are determined to put Parkinson’s on the map. While the global quest for a cure continues, closer to home Parkinson Society Canada representatives will meet with key policy makers in Ottawa to present the key priorities of the Parkinson’s community to the federal government. And volunteer Parkinson Ambassadors will mobilize across the country to advocate for key issues that matter to them and their families.

In this Parkinson’s Awareness Month issue, we demonstrate how the National Research Program is helping to grow Parkinson’s researchers. Read how Dr. Jean-François Trempe is pursuing new knowledge and potential treatments for Parkinson’s with support from the National Research program. You may also enjoy learning about Neuroscientist Jessica Grahn and her work involving listening to music to help people with Parkinson’s improve their stride and move faster as they walk.

We also share feedback from family physicians, specialists and allied health professionals who are turning to PSC for accredited education through our first online learning module based on the Canadian Guidelines on Parkinson’s Disease.

And we are pleased to report that the government has added Parkinson’s disease to the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS), an ongoing database that will give researchers, medical practitioners and policy makers access to a wide range of substantive data on Parkinson’s.

These advances in education, advocacy and research would not be possible without the dedication of thousands of supporters, including those who take part in Parkinson SuperWalk, launching today. Community spirit across the country has helped this national event reach its 25th anniversary this year.

In this year of anniversaries, we salute everyone who continues to pursue our vision of a better life with a brighter future for Canadians living with Parkinson’s today and a world without Parkinson’s tomorrow. We are grateful to be on this journey with you.