In the spring of 2002, Peggy Mutch became a second-generation person with Parkinson’s (PwP), her mother being the first in the family. Her friends and family have acted as a great support system from the point of diagnosis and throughout her journey. She has also found help from the medical community in providing answers and advice so she may have the knowledge to best adapt her lifestyle. As a way of giving back, Peggy has volunteered for several studies at UBC, and is also a volunteer with the medical students program.
She believes it is important not to let Parkinson’s disease take over one’s life; this is why she stays active with fitness activities five times a week, hobbies, and her volunteer commitments. She is also very excited to be attending the World Parkinson Congress in Kyoto, where her Dance for PD group video will be shown.
Peggy’s support of Parkinson Society BC has been extensive. She has lent a hand through a variety of volunteer initiatives, including selling tulips, helping with registration at education events, helping with SuperWalk in a number of volunteer roles over the years, and presenting at a seminar for newly diagnosed persons. She has also hosted parties in support of the Society, cheered on members of the Just Giver for PD cycle club, as well as helping build awareness by bringing friends to galas, SuperWalk, concerts, and golf tournaments. Peggy has written persons of political power and visited her local MLA in an attempt to underscore the funding for treatment for PwP.
“We cannot give the disease back but we can try and optimize our lifestyle, which includes volunteering,” says Peggy. “Volunteering has allowed me to meet many interesting people — to attend education events, to hear about activities of interest to me, [and] to share my limited knowledge with new PwP.”
Peggy is a strong advocate for volunteering and staying engaged with your community for Parkinson’s support. “Everyone has a talent they can bring to an event... Drop by a support group and meet new people who are happy to give you suggestions, and plan to attend SuperWalk with some friends to understand the rewards of participation,” she says. “Remember there are 13,000 of us in British Columbia ready and willing to find our dopamine!”