Parkinson SuperWalk: A Celebration of Victory over Adversity

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

August 17, 2011

Parkinson SuperWalk 2011 celebrates victory over adversity

Vancouver, BC - On Sunday, September 11^th in Stanley Park/Ceperley Playground, Vancouver will host Parkinson SuperWalk to raise funds for a cure and support services provided by Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) for 11,000 individuals living with Parkinson's in this province. Parkinson SuperWalk is the largest and most important fundraising national event of the year and takes place in 90 communities across Canada, 11 of which are in BC (Campbell River, Duncan, Fort St-John, Kamloops, Kelowna, Parksville, Prince George, Salmon Arm, Surrey, Trail, Vancouver). The goals are to raise $325,000 in BC and $3 million nationally.

Parkinson SuperWalk is considered a celebration of life and victory over adversity. Participants view this event as a 'family affair' as most walk in support of a relative.

For one dedicated SuperWalker, supporting family earns her double miles as she now walks for her husband and their son. "My first walk was in 1997, just a few months after my (then) 39 year-old son was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's" recalls Grace Harling. "Then, in 2005, my husband Denny was also diagnosed, giving me two very real reasons to walk."

"Parkinson Society British Columbia was there for me when I approached them with questions about the disease affecting my son", explains Grace, who will complete her 15th consecutive SuperWalk on September 11^th. "Raising funds through Superwalk pledges seemed like the best way to give back."

Grace's first pledge sheet had a modest total but she has gained momentum, bringing in more than $1,000 in each of the last three years. Denny, who has joined Grace on walk days, has no doubt that his wife of 54 years will surpass her 2010 total and earn her fourth SuperStar designation.

"The walkers are the real heroes." "The money they raise funds research and support services that will improve the quality of life for everyone who has Parkinson's."

In 2010, PSBC contributed $320,000 to researchers in BC - Dr. Martin McKeown, Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre at UBC, Dr. Gordon Rintoul and Dr. Frank Lee, Simon Fraser University, Catherine Winstanley and Ms. Kaitlyn Roland, both from UBC-Okanagan.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer's. Parkinson's is a cruel disease that affects not only the person with Parkinson's but also their entire family. The symptoms are many and include tremor, rigidity, postural instability, difficulty talking, walking and swallowing, reduced facial expression, depression and dementia. It can strike anyone - women and men of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles. There is currently no known cure.

Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)

Established in 1969, PSBC is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to address the personal and social consequences of Parkinson's disease through education, outreach, scientific research, advocacy and public awareness. The Society receives no government funding and is supported entirely by the generosity of members, corporations, foundations and the dedicated efforts of volunteers across the province.

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Thank you to our Provincial Sponsors

For further information:

Diane Robinson, CEO, Parkinson Society British Columbia, 604 662 3240, 1 800 668 3330, drobinson@parkinson.bc.ca or Betty Hum, Resource Development Manager, bhum@parkinson.bc.ca.