April is Parkinson Awareness Month
In honour of Parkinson Awareness Month, staff, healthcare providers, researchers and volunteers across the country are hosting information sessions, open houses, fundraisers, support groups and exercise classes, including internationally known Dance for Parkinson’s sessions.
Dance for Parkinson’s Network Canada April 2019 Open House Classes
There is evidence that exercise, especially strenuous activity, builds muscle and brain power in people with Parkinson’s. Dance appears to meet many, if not all, of the recommended components for exercise programs designed for individuals with Parkinson’s. That’s because dance offers social interaction and includes elements to improve balance and gait function, as well as improve quality of life.
Parkinson Canada targets gaps in services and treatments
Whether you are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s or the care partner to someone in their third decade of living with this life-changing disease, timely information, care and treatments makes the difference between living well and experiencing hardship.
*New* Tools and Resources
Managing My Parkinson’s Disease in Healthcare Settings is the latest part of the ACT on Time™ program to make its debut. This booklet offers valuable information and tips that you can apply in various healthcare settings. Remember, you are the expert on your Parkinson’s symptoms, so taking that step to start a conversation with the members of your healthcare team is up to you. Open communication will facilitate your experience and ensure your needs are met.
Order your copy of Managing My Parkinson’s Disease in Healthcare Settings today (available at no charge). Email info@parkinson.ca or call 1.800.565.3000 today. You may also download a printable copy or view it online at www.parkinson.ca/resources.
Volunteer Week – April 7–13, 2019
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers. This year’s theme was: “The Volunteer Factor—Lifting Communities.” The Volunteer Factor celebrates and recognizes the exponential impact of volunteers and how they lift our communities. The beautiful image of the hot-air balloons of different sizes, shapes and colours reflects the diversity of community volunteers. It illustrates that when people volunteer together, the sky is the limit, in terms of what they can achieve.
The leadership and staff at Parkinson Canada thank each of our amazing, tireless volunteers who raise awareness from coast to coast. Thank you for lifting us up in your communities and beyond by helping create a better life for people living with Parkinson’s, day in, day out, no matter what. We are able to fulfil our promise because of you.
Parkinson Canada SuperWalk — September 2019
Communities
across Canada rally each year in support of people living with Parkinson’s and
in search of a cure. More than 10,000 participants including 4,000 walkers came
together in 2018 to raise over $2.4 million. People living with
Parkinson’s were joined by family and friends, healthcare professionals,
dedicated volunteers, and researchers across the country. Participants and
supporters have raised over $40 million since inception of this event.
“We
thank each and every SuperWalk participant who continues to raise significant
awareness, hope and funds for the Parkinson’s cause,” says Joyce Gordon, CEO,
Parkinson Canada. “For those living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers and
healthcare professionals, a cure can’t wait.”
In 2019, SuperWalk will take place September 7 & 8 at various locations in Ontario and across Canada. We are delighted to honour our National Hero, Pat Evans of Portland, Ontario. Since her diagnosis 12 years ago, Pat has met so many people with Parkinson’s and their care partners who have faced their own “new reality” with courage and determination. At every encounter, she leaves others inspired by her passion, energy and commitment to make a difference, one conversation at a time.
“I have
always believed that one person can make a difference but what has kept me
going are those who face many more challenges than me with such grace,” says
Pat.
“They are the
true heroes.”
For more information, including video and photo assets, visit www.superwalk.ca.
To register your team, or support one, visit www.superwalk.ca.
The Victory Summit® Ottawa
– October 5, 2019
On
Saturday, October 5th, 2019, join the Davis Phinney Foundation
and Parkinson Canada, as we present The Victory Summit® in Ottawa. This national educational
event is a moving day of information and inspiration, featuring dynamic
presentations from leading movement disorder neurologists and therapists from
across the country. It’s an upbeat, fast-paced event of community and
connection, filled with laughter and conversation. You will leave this event
feeling motivated and armed with tools to help you be more involved in your own
treatment and to improve your quality of life. As one attendee said, “I left
this event with the knowledge and hope of how to live well with my
Parkinson’s.” Join us for this one-of-a-kind Parkinson’s
event!
Event
Location
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
200 Coventry Road
Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 4S3
Registration will open
in July.
This
event is free, thanks to the generosity of donors, and includes a complimentary
boxed lunch, access to community partners and other valuable resources. Seating
at The Victory Summit is limited so
pre-registration is requested.