What the right care looks like

Women with Parkinson’s are less likely to receive timely treatment or have their symptoms fully heard and understood. Elizabeth’s story shows how differently care can unfold when someone finally reaches a specialist who recognizes their needs—and how much possibility returns when no one is left waiting.

Elizabeth’s story 

I’m Elizabeth Rigley, a registered nurse. Throughout my career visiting long‑term care homes across Ontario, I met many people living with Parkinson’s and understood the clinical language, treatment pathways, and system pressures. I’m also a wife, mother of three, and proud grandmother of five. In my late sixties, I was active, engaged, and had just written a book on women’s health. Then Parkinson’s became part of my life in ways I never expected.

“Parkinson’s became part of my life in ways I never expected.”

When access depends on geography 

I first noticed a tremor in my leg but convinced myself it was nothing serious. When it persisted, my family doctor reassured me, yet I was eventually referred to a movement disorders clinic and diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 68.

Looking back, I know how fortunate I was to reach a specialist quickly and live close to the care I needed.

As my symptoms progressed, medication helped but didn’t fully control my tremors, and the side effects eventually kept me from activities I loved. I knew Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) might help, but it required extensive screening and a specialized team. I moved through that process and received surgery at 73. I often think about people still waiting for referrals, assessments, or treatment—and how much of their lives may be shaped by those delays.

Reclaiming what matters

The surgery and recovery were demanding, and it took months of careful programming to each the “therapeutic window,” but gradually I grew stronger and felt a renewed sense of possibility. Today, I still golf, cycle, spend time with friends and family, and even play the piano more easily—I finally have my confidence back.

DBS isn’t a cure, and I still experience non‑motor symptoms like fatigue, sleep challenges, and changes in my voice, but the improvement in my quality of life is profound.

With support from my movement disorders clinic, a DBS nurse, and resources like Parkinson Canada’s CareFinder, I’ve connected with therapies and community that help me keep living boldly. My experience shows what’s possible when the right care arrives at the right time—and why that support should be within everyone’s reach.

This story is shared thanks to the courage and dedication of Elizabeth Rigley. 

Building limitless Parkinson’s care 

Elizabeth’s experience shows what becomes possible when timely, specialized Parkinson’s care is finally within reach—and how deeply it can restore confidence, stability, and daily joy. Yet access to neurologists and advanced treatments remains uneven across Canada, leaving many people facing long waits or long-distance travel for the care that sustains their quality of life. Limitless Parkinson’s care means ensuring everyone can reach the right care, in the right place, at the right time—not only those fortunate enough to live close to it.

Help ensure care isn’t defined by geography. Join the movement for change. Visit www.parkinson.ca/PAM