Humphreys Family’s Generous Gift Bolsters Parkinson’s Care at Kelowna General Hospital
In a significant move aimed at enhancing care for individuals with movement disorders, the Humphreys family has made a generous donation of $1 million to the Movement Disorder Clinic at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). This transformative gift, designated to increase capacity and expand service models, can make a profound impact on the lives of those affected by conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
The Movement Disorder Clinic, founded in 2015 by KGH neurologist Dr. Daryl Wile, has been a beacon of support for patients dealing with Parkinson's disease. Last year alone, over 300 people in the Interior Health Region were diagnosed with Parkinson's, emphasizing the pressing need for expanded services.
Barry Humphreys, diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2020, and his family are no strangers to the challenges posed by the disease. Kim Humphreys, Barry's daughter, expresses admiration for Dr. Wile's vision and dedication, stating, “Dr. Wile is a brilliant neurologist. We believe in his vision to advance care for those like my Dad who are struggling to maintain their dignity and their independence while living with this disease.”
Dr. Wile, recognizing the urgency and impact of the Humphreys' donation, emphasizes, “The gift from the Humphreys is significant. We want to do more for these people and families. This investment will help grow the clinic’s capacity, and through partnership with the newly established Centre for Health Systems Learning and Innovation at KGH, we can continue to learn and develop our approach in ways that work best for our patients and our community.”
The Movement Disorder Clinic at KGH primarily focuses on Parkinson's disease, which affects approximately 2,700 people in the Interior Health Region. Dr. Wile notes the high prevalence of Parkinson's in the region, attributing it to retirees choosing the area as their home. He anticipates the numbers will continue to rise due to the primary risk factor being age.
Kim Humphreys, residing in Kelowna, hopes that their gift will inspire others impacted by Parkinson's to contribute to this vital cause. She states, “For many who choose to retire to the Okanagan from big cities, a vital consideration is the quality of the hospital. Dr. Wile and his team are doing incredible work at KGH. If this hits close to home for others, we encourage them to really consider giving to support this work.”
The Humphreys Family's generosity is not only commendable but also courageous, as they take action to make a lasting impact in an area of care crucial for those living with Parkinson's disease.
Learn more: https://www.kghfoundation.com/humphreys-family/