Every year, Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) dedicates the month of April to raising awareness of the unique experiences of people with Parkinson's, and the needs of our community. Parkinson's Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage the public in expanding their understanding of Parkinson's, and the profound effects it has on the lives of over 17,500 British Columbians living with the disease.
This April, we want to spread the message that Parkinson's is more than a tremor. The disease can affect all aspects of one's life, and there is currently no known cure.
Our 2024 campaign highlights:
- Personal journeys shared by people with Parkinson's, their families, and carepartners.
- The importance of living well with Parkinson's, through self-management, self-reliance, and self-advocacy.
- Community ties and peer support bringing together the Parkinson's community across British Columbia.
While most people have heard of Parkinson's disease, the breadth of symptoms experienced, and ripple effect the disease has on friends, family, and the healthcare system, are lesser understood. With approximately 17,500 people affected by the condition, Parkinson's is the second most common neurological disorder after Alzheimer's - yet it receives considerably less attention.
Throughout April, we will be posting to our social media channels, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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How can I participate?
Whether you are a person with Parkinson's disease, carepartner, friend, or family member, we invite you tell your story, and help spread the word that Parkinson's is #MoreThanATremor!
This April, we are encouraging British Columbians affected by Parkinson's to submit content that tells their story, their way.
Whether it is through painting, poetry, or some other medium, we believe that the unique voices of our community members deserve amplifying.
Submit your content
We are also collecting experiences and reflections from members of the Parkinson’s community through our digital “Your Parkinson’s Experience” postcard. You may answer as many or few questions as you like in the form.
Responses will be shared on multiple channels, such as Parkinson Society BC’s (PSBC) website and social media platforms, to expand awareness on living with Parkinson’s disease as well as spread messages of hope in the community.
Fill out our digital postcard
We're excited to announce a special contest as part of our efforts to raise awareness for Parkinson's this April!
Across the province, local libraries are showcasing book displays, landmarks are lighting up in blue on April 11th, World Parkinson's Day, and our ads are featured on Lower Mainland Skytrains and buses in Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria. Plus, don't miss our stunning mural at Waterfront station!
Here's how to participate:
- Snap a photo of our transit ads, landmark lighting, or library displays.
- Post and tag us on Facebook @ParkinsonSocietyBritishColumbia or Instagram @parkinsonsbc.
- Alternatively, you can email your photo to info@parkinson.bc.ca.
Each photo you submit counts as one entry! One lucky winner will be chosen to receive a gift card valued at $50 at Save On Foods. Don't miss your chance to join in and capture moments of solidarity throughout Awareness Month!
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Your support is crucial to our mission of providing resources and services to enable self-management, self-reliance, and self-advocacy. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us to expand awareness and empower the Parkinson's community in British Columbia. Together, we can make a difference.
Donate today at www.parkinson.bc.ca/aware
Awareness Videos
Parkinson's disease (PD) has a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person and can change over time. However, there is a lack of awareness in society about the condition's impact on those who live with it every day. Despite the challenges, people with Parkinson's can lead fulfilling lives with medication, therapy, and support from loved ones and medical professionals. For April Awareness Month, Parkinson Society BC created these videos featuring individuals in the community, to raise awareness about Parkinson's symptoms and challenges.
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Proclamations
Parkinson Society BC submits requests to municipalities for the issue of proclamations acknowledging April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. A proclamation is an official declaration issued by an authority to make certain announcements known. Some municipalities do not issue these documents.
The following is a list of the authorities that have issued proclamations for this year:
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Community Partners
Organizations across the province are showing their support for Parkinson's Awareness Month by sharing stories, making public services announcements, and lighting up their landmarks this April! Parkinson Society British Columbia is grateful for the support of all of our community partners this year. Learn more about our partners and how they're supporting us below.
Media Partners
This year, we are grateful for a media partnership provided by Global BC.
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Radio
The following stations have kindly included Parkinson's Awareness Month in their programming and community announcements:
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Country 103.1 | Kamloops
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K 97.5 | Kamloops
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Radio NL | Kamloops
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AM 1150 | Kelowna
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Move 101.5 | Kelowna
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Virgin Radio | Kelowna
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980 CKNW | Vancouver
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Virgin Radio | Victoria
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Thank you as well to the following community radio stations:
- CFUZ 92.9 | Penticton
- Voice of the Shuswap 93.7 | Salmon Arm
- CFUR 88.7 | Prince George
- Peace FM | Chetwynd
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Library displays
To help further public awareness, local libraries across the province will be having book displays in support of Parkinson's Awareness Month. We extend our thanks to the participating locations below:
- Cariboo Regional District Library, Williams Lake Branch
- Coquitlam Public Library, City Centre Branch
- Fraser Valley Regional Library, Various Branches
- Greater Victoria Public Library, Central Branch
- Mayne Island Community Library
- Nelson Public Library
- New West Public Library, Main Branch
- North Vancouver City Library
- Okanagan Regional Library, Various Branches
- Port Moody Public Library
- Prince George Public Library (April 8-14)
- Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch (April 1-15)
- Salmo Valley Public Library
- Surrey Libraries, Various Branches
- Thompson-Nicola Regional Library, North & Downtown Kamloops Branches
- Trail & District Public Library
- Vancouver Island Regional Library, Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch (April 1-15)
- Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch
- West Vancouver Memorial Library (April 1-14)
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Landmark lighting
In support of the PD Avengers' global Spark The Night movement, buildings and landmarks across the province are lighting up in blue this April 11, on World Parkinson's Day! We extend our thanks to the participating locations below:
- BC Place
- Bloedel Conservatory
- Canada Place Sails of Light
- Castlegar, City of - Kinnaird Bridge
- Coquitlam, City of - Great Canadian Casino
- Dawson Creek, City of - Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre
- Lafarge Lake Fountain
- Maple Ridge, City of - ACT Arts Centre
- Nanaimo, City of - The Bastion
- Olympic Cauldron
- Prince George, City of - UNBC Skylights
- Port Coquitlam City Hall
- Surrey Civic Plaza
- Trail, City of - Victoria Street Bridge
- Vancouver, City of - Leckie Building
- Vancouver City Hall & Burrard Street Bridge
- Vancouver Lookout
- Whistler, Resort Municipality of - Fitzsimmons Creek Bridge
- White Rock Pier
- Williams Lake City Hall
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Press Release & Fact Sheet
To learn more about Parkinson's disease, as well as our April Awareness campaign goals, please download the following documents:
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Show your support!
We invite local businesses and organizations to show their support for our campaign and lend their platform to become a community partner this April Awareness Month! Community partners will be recognized in our newsletters, on our website, and on social media. For more information contact us.
Questions or Comments?
If you have questions or comments about #MoreThanATremor or any of PSBC's awareness activities, please contact:
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