Vancouver, BC - April is awareness month for Parkinson's disease and it is recognized internationally to coincide with the birth month of Dr. James Parkinson, for whom the disease was named. If you have Parkinson's or know someone who does, you are not alone. This is the message that Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) wants to convey to the 11,000 individuals living with Parkinson's in the province.
"The Society's services include information, resources, and education for people living with Parkinson's" said Diane Robinson, CEO. "We are reaching out so that we can help as many people as possible in BC and let them know that they are not alone in dealing with Parkinson's."
"I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007 at the age of 48" said Maple Ridge resident Sue Allan. "I cried for myself, my husband and two daughters, and for the uncertainty of the future. The crying lasted for three months as I contemplated that the course of my life would be changed forever."
Sue had a successful career as a financial planner but when a friend asked her why her hand was shaking, Sue joked about it because she was scared. However, she could barely write her name, was exhausted, having trouble concentrating and difficulty typing. Sadly, she was unable to continue in the job she loved at RBC.
"After speaking with one of the staff at the Society, I received information that was invaluable. I was also encouraged to join the Vancouver Broadway Support Group. My husband and I have met wonderful people and more importantly, we feel that we are not alone in coping with the challenges we face everyday." She added "my birthday is also in April, just like Dr. James Parkinson, and my family and I will be walking in the Parkinson SuperWalk in September to raise funds for PSBC in the areas of education, advocacy, and research to find a cure for this unrelenting disease".
In 2010, PSBC contributed $320,000 to researchers in BC last year - Dr. Martin McKeown, Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre at UBC, Drs. Gordon Rintoul and Frank Lee, Simon Fraser University, Dr. Catherine Winstanley and Ms. Kaitlyn Roland, both from UBC-Okanagan.
Parkinson's is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer's. It is a cruel disease that affects not only the person with Parkinson's but also their family. The symptoms are many and include tremor, rigidity, postural instability, difficulty talking, walking and swallowing, reduced facial expression, depression and dementia. 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 does not receive 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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