Marina Joseph

Marina Joseph

Welcome to the first issue of eParkinsonPost for 2015, marking a milestone. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Parkinson Society Canada (PSC), 50 years of providing support and education for people living with Parkinson’s, advocating on their behalf and funding research to unlock the mysteries of this complex disease.

Since the creation of the National Research Program (NRP) in 1981, PSC has invested more than $24 million in 450 awards, fellowships, and grants that have revealed more about diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s disease and advanced our knowledge towards a cure. In this issue, we highlight NRP funded researcher Jacques Drouin, D.Sc., who recently uncovered a mechanism regulating dopamine levels in the brain. This is quite a breakthrough in Parkinson’s research.

While we reflect on our history and accomplishments, we are committed to our vision for a better life with a brighter future for Canadians with Parkinson’s. We are currently asking individuals in our community to help improve access to the new Parkinson’s medication NEUPRO®. We ask you to consider joining our Parkinson’s Ambassador Network and lend your voice to improve quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and care partners.

We also rally our community to make sure Parkinson’s issues are being heard by all candidates, government representatives and policy makers. Recently, Parkinson Society Canada President and CEO Joyce Gordon, testified before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights in support of Bill S-201, an Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, and implement genetic fairness legislation. Issues of privacy and genetic discrimination were heightened last fall when the personal genetics company 23andMe began selling their service in Canada. We encourage you to find out what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

Throughout the year, we will shine the spotlight on Parkinson’s pioneers across the decades. We hope you will post a comment, or contact us at communications@parkinson.ca to share your stories and tell us about some of the individuals who have made a difference in your Parkinson’s journey. Together, we are putting Parkinson’s on the map.