Parkinson Canada’s Hill Day in Ottawa

On April 24, 2018, Parkinson Canada hosted a breakfast reception on Parliament Hill. The breakfast was sponsored by Rob Oliphant, MP for Don Valley West, and friend of Parkinson Canada. The breakfast was well attended by MPs and Senators who are not only interested in Parkinson’s, but also those who have been touched by the disease.

Judi Richardson, Chair, Parkinson Canada Board, shared her father’s journey with Parkinson’s, at the event. She was followed by Lloyd Cowin, Parkinson Ambassador and advocacy committee member, who described his own story of living with Parkinson’s.

Finally, Dr. David Grimes, Movement Disorder Specialist and lead author of the Canadian Guidelines on Parkinson’s Disease, gave an update on the current effort underway to update the Guidelines to address gaps in care and treatment. Parkinson Canada’s central ask is for government funding to support the Canadian Parkinson Network (the Network).

From left: Judi Richardson, Jacquie Micallef, Joyce Gordon, Sprague Plato, Bill Casey, MP, Megan Boyle, Lloyd Cowin, Daphne FitzGerald, Dr. David Grimes, Bruce Stanton, MP, John Parkhurst

The Network will better coordinate world-class Parkinson’s research happening across Canada. The Network will include:

• a patient registry with comprehensive clinical information;
• a database with information from diagnostic (imaging tests, MRI, PET scans), anatomical (neuroimaging, sleep, behavioural and neuropsychological information) and functional measurements;
• a biobank, i.e. patient biomaterials such as blood samples and DNA for genetic studies.

The goal of the Network is to accelerate treatment findings, and ultimately lead to the discovery of a cure.

Parkinson Ambassadors were important voices at the breakfast in April where we presented the Canadian Parkinson Network. Parkinson Canada is looking for more volunteers to serve as Ambassadors to meet with their local government officials to heighten the need for funding to support the CPN. If you are interested in joining hundreds of Canadians already enrolled as Parkinson Ambassadors, please contact advocacy@parkinson.ca.

Parkinson Canada is currently recruiting representatives from federal and provincial ridings across Canada to join our Ambassador Network. We are looking for motivated individuals to help move Parkinson’s issues forward and help all Canadians live well with Parkinson’s!

What do Parkinson’s Ambassadors do?

• Participate in national, provincial and pan-Canadian government relations and advocacy initiatives
• Have the opportunity to be informed of local issues and learn more about our ongoing initiatives
• Be part of a comprehensive national network of volunteers across the country.

Throughout the year, we connect Parkinson’s Ambassadors with local representatives to discuss issues that affect the Parkinson’s community. You will receive full support through training, prepared messaging, briefings on policy priorities and ongoing guidance throughout campaigns.

Whether you are a person living with Parkinson’s, a caregiver to someone with the disease or simply want to help advance the cause, we encourage anyone who wants to make a difference for Canadians affected by Parkinson’s to join our mission.

Where can you enroll?
If you are interested in being a Parkinson’s Ambassador or have further questions about this opportunity, please email Advocacy@Parkinson.ca, or call 1-800-565-3000 ext. 3343. You may also visit our website and view a video of ambassadors and caregivers as they speak about the importance of building awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

Upcoming Events at Parkinson Canada

The Pedaling for Parkinson’s ride takes place in Parry Sound on July 13-15, 2018. Register, volunteer and donate online.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming webinars hosted by Parkinson Canada.