Parkinson Canada Superwalk

Pat Evans | Sep 09, 2020

For the past 3 years, Conlon Farm would be buzzing with activity for the Lanark North Leeds Parkinson Canada SuperWalk the Saturday after Labour Day, this year falling on September 12th.

It likely comes as no surprise to anyone that there is no large gathering this year. However, here is a virtual National Opening Ceremony and people are walking in their neighbourhood with those in their bubble. And Lou McCann, a person with Parkinson’s, who always lives life with a No Matter What (the SuperWalk motto) approach to his Parkinson Disease, is organizing his fellow boxers to walk (relay style) from Conlon Farm in Perth to Centennial Park in Smiths Falls.

Although, as with many other charities, donations are considerably down, the community has rallied again with the same spirit of generousity. So what is the concern? There is a Pandemic. What is the problem?

Across Canada, over 80 communities participate in SuperWalk, a day for people with Parkinson’s and their friends and family to celebrate funds raised and focus a spotlight on this chronic neurological disease. It is an inspirational day where people are reminded that they are not alone. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about a disease that 100,000 people have been diagnosed with in Canada, a number expected to double in the next 10 years. That means that instead of 25 people being diagnosed every day, there will be 50. It is, in fact, the fastest growing neurological disease in the world, even surpassing Alzheimer’s. Finally, many people have Parkinson’s but don’t know or perhaps won’t acknowledge, both factors that could contribute to a worse prognosis.

COVID 19 has impacted every part of our lives. You may not be in a position to help. If you are, please donate what you can. It will make a difference. Visit donate.parkinson.ca/lanark

Pat Evans