Our Mission
Established in 1969, Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) is a not for profit charitable organization that exists to address the personal and social consequences of Parkinson's disease through education, community outreach, scientific research, advocacy and public awareness.
It is estimated that 11,000 British Columbians live with Parkinson's disease and more than 100,000 in Canada. Named after the British physician, Dr. James Parkinson, who was the first in modern medicine to identify the symptoms, Parkinson's disease is the second most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder which is caused by a loss of dopamine in the brain.
Research is ongoing around the world to determine the cause of Parkinson's and ultimately find a cure. In British Columbia, the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre located at the University of British Columbia conducts the largest peer-reviewed Parkinson's disease research program in Canada, under the direction of Dr. Jon Stoessl, an internationally recognized expert on Parkinson's disease.
The Parkinson Society British Columbia, governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, does not receive government funding and is supported entirely by donations from individuals, members, corporations, foundations and the dedicated efforts of volunteers.
A symbol of hope. A renowned Dutch horticulturist, J.W.S Van der Wereld who suffered from Parkinson's, honoured Dr. James Parkinson by naming a tulip for him. The familiar red and white tulip became the symbol of Parkinson's - of hope for a cure.
You Are Not Alone. We Can Help. Parkinson Society British Columbia with seven staff members is here to help people with Parkinson's and the people who care about them through support services and education. This website, which has been redesigned to include as much information as possible on PD, only represents a portion of the information that we have available for you. Please contact us for further resources.
