Across the province thousands of Albertans are stepping up and stepping out with Canadians in over 90 communities coast-to-coast on ‘SuperWalk Weekend’ Sept. 8-9 to ease the burden and find a cure. It’s the largest fundraising event of the year for the Parkinson Alberta Society (PAS).
In Red Deer, the walk is set for Sept. 8. Participants will start out from the Golden Circle at 10:30 a.m.
“Parkinson Alberta Society is the only charitable organization in the province providing support and education to Albertans living with Parkinson disease,” says John Petryshen, CEO. “Raising $2.79 million nation-wide and a provincial total of over $308,000 in 2011, Parkinson SuperWalk 2012 is the single most important event to provide funds necessary to enable these services that improve the quality of life while we contribute to a search for a cure.”
Parkinson disease is a progressive brain disease that affects one in every 300 adults over the course of their lifetime. And it does not discriminate. Often mistakenly associated only with aging, it strikes people as young as 30 or 40.
The rest of their lives are affected with the progressive nature of this disease. Common symptoms include tremor, tremor, slowness, balance problems and muscle rigidity. Over time, individuals may experience a decreased capacity to walk, talk and swallow. There is no known cause or cure. Their only future is hope.
“We make a super day of Parkinson SuperWalk for everyone who takes part,” continues Petryshen. “There are prizes, celebrities, games and a barbeque that everyone looks forward to. It is fun for all and a great opportunity for families, friends, colleagues and teams to come together and walk for hope — hope that the necessary support and services provided in Alberta only through Parkinson Alberta will continue to be there for them and hope that we can accelerate a future without Parkinson disease.”
Everyone is welcome to join. Organizers encourage everyone to sign up online at www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca and walk as an individual, team, virtual walker or set up their own corporate challenge.
To register or to find out more information about Parkinson SuperWalk 2012, call Linda or Marilynne at 403-346-4463, or 1-800-561-1911 (toll-free in Alberta) or check out www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca.
-Weber
