MINDEMOYA—Next Thursday, September 18, the Manitoulin Parkinson support group will again be hosting the Parkinson SuperWalk, raising money, awareness and “celebrating everyday heroes who inspire extraordinary hope.”
“We are thrilled and encouraged by the amazing volunteers, walkers and donors for Parkinson SuperWalk. These are the everyday heroes who inspire us and make this event such a success,” said Debbie Davis, chief executive office, Parkinson Society, Central and Northern Ontario, in a press release. “Last year we raised over $960,000. We are hopeful that with their continued support we’ll be able to reach our goal for $1 million for the Parkinson’s community this year.”
On Manitoulin, the Parkinson support group meets the third Thursday of each month, with the exception of July, August and December, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the VON office at the old school in Mindemoya under the direction of Marilyn Proulx, who heads Manitoulin’s senior mental health program for Health Sciences North.
She explained that there is a group of about 10 people who come regularly and that they are always looking for new members. A meeting usually consists of members chatting about the disease, their symptoms, appointments, tips and suggestions with an educational component tied in as well with guest speakers, videos or specialists that are also part of the monthly meeting. The last half hour or so usually ends up with coffee and treats baked by members for a social time that is very much looked forward to by everyone, Ms. Proulx adds.
As some support group members have transitioned to long term care facilities such as Manitoulin Lodge, separate groups have been created to service those people too, she explained.
Ms. Proulx said she encourages the Island community to support the SuperWalk, either through pledging or by coming out to show your support. Last year, Manitoulin raised $1,870, surpassing even some much larger Northern Ontario centres, she said proudly, and they hope to continue that trend this year.
Since 1990, more than $25 million has been raised at Parkinson SuperWalk and invested in communities across Canada, including the Central and Northern Ontario region, to provide evidence-based education resources, advocacy and support services, a press release from the Parkinson Society states.
The Manitoulin Parkinson SuperWalk takes place next Thursday, September 18 at 1:20 pm, 6062 Hwy 542 (the old school), in Mindemoya.
To learn more about Parkinson disease, visit www.parkinsoncno.ca or to speak with Ms. Proulx, either about the support group or the SuperWalk, phone 705-368-0756 x. 238.