An empowering journey of strength
August 2023 Good News
Wendy Murray firmly believes that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. The Maple Bay mother of two and grandmother of one has always embraced an active lifestyle, participating in a variety of exercises including weights, yoga, cycling, hiking, and walking. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2016 only strengthened her passion for fitness. In fact, the diagnosis came 18 months after a cycling accident while she was on her way to work. Wendy recalls feeling a sense of relief in having a name for the symptoms she was experiencing. Her neurologist encouraged her to find a beat and move to it every day, and that is precisely what Wendy has done.
Parkinson SuperWalk has been near and dear to her heart since she became involved with the event in 2017. Through SuperWalk, her commitment to forging connections within the Parkinson's community and raising awareness about the disease in the Cowichan Valley has grown even stronger. This journey has led her to take on the role of a facilitator for her local support group.
Every year, Wendy embraced new movement challenges in preparation for SuperWalk. In 2017, she went on the impressive Shakin' the Rock journey, a five-day cycling expedition from Port Hardy to Victoria. In celebration of her 60th birthday and SuperWalk's 30th anniversary in 2020, Wendy committed to walking 30 kilometres each day over the SuperWalk weekend, showcasing her unwavering support and determination.
However, for Parkinson SuperWalk this year, Wendy and her husband, Ian, have embarked on an entirely new, life-changing adventure. At the end of June, they began what will be a 2,200-kilometre walk, starting in Italy, then Liechtenstein, the Camino del Norte in Spain, the West Highland Way in Scotland, then on to Ireland and England, and finally ending in France before heading home in October. “I’ve always taken SuperWalk as a way to challenge myself by doing greater distances,” Wendy says. “So, I thought, why not turn my European walking vacation into a fundraiser?”
When reflecting on the trip so far, Wendy says she has seen some amazing things she has only dreamt about. One memory of hiking up a mountainside and climbing through a crevice, assisted only by ropes, stands out as one of the most challenging, scary, and beautiful things she has ever done on her own. The trip has also been something of an emotional rollercoaster, as she tries to manage the time change, her medication, a lack of sleep, the extreme heat, and dietary adjustments. However, Wendy says that it has been the adventure of a lifetime and that she is grateful for Ian for always being there through the ups and downs.
Wendy & kind stranger
The generosity of strangers has also been a major highlight. One morning, Wendy met a man on the Camino del Norte. It was rare to come across an English speaker, so she enjoyed a pleasant chat with him, sharing her story and experiences. Although their paths did not cross again, the man made an effort to locate Wendy’s Parkinson SuperWalk fundraising page. Knowing just her first name and West Coast Canadian origins, he managed to find it and made a donation. “The kindness found in strangers is truly amazing,” Wendy says.
Her trip has taught her to be more patient with herself, and that she can do anything she sets her mind to. “I am strong. I am independent. I got this! PD doesn’t own me,” Wendy says. To fellow members of the Parkinson’s community, she emphasizes that everyone is stronger than they think.
Regarding her reasons for participating in SuperWalk, Wendy says, “Awareness is so important for people with Parkinson’s and those who love them." She underscores the importance of funds raised through the event, which go directly into resources and services that have a tangible impact on lives touched by PD in this province, so that more people can feel empowered and able to chase their dreams.
It is with the support of individuals like Wendy that Parkinson Society BC is able to continue to provide the programs, support services, and educational resources that people with Parkinson's, their families, and carepartners rely on.
Join us in making a difference this year!
Register or donate at www.parkinson.bc.ca/superwalk.