On September 25th and 26th, members of the Parkinson’s community will be Pedaling for Parkinson’s in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, the City by the Sea. This inclusive, family-friendly event will have varied looped ride options from 35km to 100 km along the gentle Confederation trail, offering participants the perfect opportunity to savour the coastal scenery and enjoy the ride with family and friends.
Volunteer Coordinator and Team leader, Dan Steele of Steely Dan and the funky bunch, explains why he is involved in Pedaling for Parkinson’s.
“All of us within the Parkinson’s community, whether young or old, have intimate knowledge of how stress intensifies almost all our symptoms. I was lucky to have been able to have undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery just as things really began to shut down. The improvements in my mobility have put some zip back in my step, and I want to share this window of opportunity with the extended Parkinson’s family that have supported me for so many years.”
Dan noted that this year’s celebrations have another larger significance beyond his own health.
“This past year has been particularly difficult for people living with Parkinson’s (PLWP), many of whom are elderly. I’m very thankful to be leading a great planning committee whose primary goal is to encourage PLWP and others to train or be a part of our cycling event.”
Dan urges anyone who can to be part of or support a team in this inaugural year of Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Maritimes. “It’s not a race, it’s about the joy of participation and movement, and knowing that everyone’s fundraising will help towards the support, research and advocacy goals of Parkinson Canada”.
It’s not too late to register! For more information go to Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Maritime Ride.
Editor’s Note: The Summerside Ride builds on the success of Pedaling for Parkinson’s in Prince Edward County which ran for the third time this past August. This socially-distanced ride brought together people with Parkinson’s, family members and the local community in Milford, Ontario to raise more than $150,000 to support research.
Congratulations to participants, organizers Jim Redmond and Krista Simonnet, and the Rigid Riders (a team of cyclists with Parkinson’s who rode the 40km route) on another successful ride.