Karen:

Parkinson Canada is an organization that supports people living with Parkinson all across the country. We do so through various services and programs, all the while trying to find a cure through funding research.

Parkinson’s is a disease that is progressive, and it affects the brain. However, then it leads to other issues such as movement, cognition. Currently there are no treatments to delay or slow down the progression of the disease.

There are about 40,000 people who live with Parkinson’s here in Ontario. And Parkinson’s disease not only impacts the one person who lives with the disease, but the family. And so, it’s really important that Parkinson Canada provides the proper support, resources, to help in terms of living a better life for the person living with Parkinson’s and for caregivers.

Larry:

I was fully diagnosed in 2012, although my symptoms – I started experiencing symptoms as early as 2009, with a twitching in my right hand and a walking gait that was off. So, I battled for about two or three years, going to see health professionals until my diagnosis in 2012 formally with Parkinson’s.

The fear that I have is the fact that Parkinson’s is incurable. So, I’m worried and concerned about what my future life will be. I try and live my life in the present, but I can’t help but think about my future life. But I try and focus on the aspects that I can control and that is living a full life, exercising, living mindfully in the present.

But the fear of the unknown is something that is always at the back of my mind. But I’m hoping that a cure is coming. And thanks to the research and the funding by Parkinson Canada, there is that road to a cure that hopefully will be reached.

To all the individuals who support Parkinson Canada and donate, thank you. Those are two little words, but those two words mean a lot. The dollars that are contributed go towards research. We’ve got to find a cure. And your dollars go a long way towards that. But also, it’s important to support the person with Parkinson’s as well as the community.

I have Parkinson’s but the effect is felt by my family as well. And the support in Donors like you, to Parkinson Canada, help us in the community support.

Mary:

Federated Health Charities is an important group for us particularly, because we can build awareness to the community of public sector. It’s really important, not only to give, but also, it’s really important to understand what is Parkinson’s? And more importantly, how can we raise the voice of people living with Parkinson’s within our community?

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