In its first official year in the Comox Valley, the Parkinson’s Superwalk blew all expectations away.
Over 100 people walked a loop around the Courtenay Airpark Sunday morning and raised upwards of $15,000 for Parkinson’s Disease awareness and research.
“The support has been phenomenal, just absolutely phenomenal,” said Marg Elson, head organizer of the walk. “It’s a learning curve because it’s the first time, but I’m just so gratified with the results that I think it’s going to be bigger and better next year.”
Elson’s husband, Ron, passed away last year from complications of Parkinson’s. Elson’s role in putting on the walk was her way of honouring him, as well as a way of helping others who are living with the disease.
“When a person gets the diagnosis of Parkinson’s, it can be pretty devastating and we want people to know that they’re not alone,” said Elson.
She said the Comox Valley Parkinson’s Support Group was a huge help to her husband and hopes that others will also benefit from the programs and sessions available through the group.
As the Superwalk began, Wayne and Elaine Benning, both living with Parkinson’s, wore red capes as they led the pack.
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When Wayne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in Dec. 2013, he was having troubles walking and was easily fatigued, but on Sunday, with his walking poles in hand, Wayne was well ahead of the group as they made their way around of the airpark.
He and Elaine both credit their positive attitudes and current mobility to the support they have received from family, friends and others also living with the disease.
Coun. Hugh MacKinnon also participated in the walk and spoke about how his own family has been affected by the disease.
“My father-in-law was a Canadian Olympian. He was a non-drinker, a non-smoker and he had Parkinson’s for the last 17 years of his life,” said MacKinnon. “It also inspired our four sons to ride across Canada in support of Parkinson’s.”
Approximately 13,000 British Columbians are currently living with Parkinson’s while that number is expected to double by 2040.
This is the 28th year of the Parkinson’s Superwalk in Canada. To learn more and to donate, visit www.parkinson.bc.ca
