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For Immediate Release
April 5, 2011 |
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NEWS RELEASE
April 11 is World Parkinson's Day
Vancouver, BC - World Parkinson's Day is celebrated annually on April 11, Dr. James Parkinson's birthday. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of Parkinson's disease (PD) and how it affects individuals, families and the wider spectrum of the community.
Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) together with its 48 volunteer-led support groups across the province are organizing events in community centres and malls to spread the word about PD and the Society's support programs available to the 11,000 individuals who live with the disease.
"Parkinson's is a debilitating disease. For a person with Parkinson's, each day is a struggle with common tasks that most of us take for granted. Whether it is walking, eating, or getting dressed, everything takes more planning and more time," said Diane Robinson, CEO. "PD robs individuals of their careers. It takes away their freedom and turns their family life upside down."
"World Parkinson's Day gives us the opportunity to join forces and let the public, governments and health care professionals know about Parkinson's disease and the challenges that individuals with Parkinson's and their families face every day."
Parkinson's Disease
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
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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Contact: Diane Robinson, CEO, Parkinson Society British Columbia
