On Saturday, September 10, 2022, the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk, a post Labour Day September tradition in the area since the first successful walk in 2017, is returning to its roots. For the past two years, only smaller gatherings were possible, but this year, organizers are excited that the walk can return to its original format. The Lanark North Leeds SuperWalk has attracted hundreds of people who, with the generous support of local sponsors and donors, has raised over $300,000 for support services, research, education and advocacy efforts.
Co-chairs Gayle Truman and Pat Evans have been encouraged to move forward with a major walk this year because over the past two years, people have experienced considerable isolation. “The sense of solidarity and renewed optimism that one experiences when you realize that you are part of something bigger is so important to the way you deal with Parkinson’s,” says Truman who, like Evans, has Parkinson’s Disease, “not to mention what you learn from other people about resilience and strength.
There is another reason that this year’s walk is important – it is an opportunity to increase awareness of the disease and its complexity. “Parkinson’s, like many other health issues has been side-lined by Covid,” says Evans. “Many people have not been diagnosed, treated or supported as they struggle with the complex symptoms of the disease. At a time when we know numbers are growing at an alarming rate, there has been little opportunity to spotlight this chronic, often debilitating disease. We should be advocating for the supports that people need, for example, having access to a multi-disciplinary team and education about the proactive steps that they can take to live well with Parkinson’s. Before that can happen, however, it needs to be on the radar screen.”
The SuperWalk will be held on Saturday, September 10th at Conlon Farm, 109 Smith Dr., in Perth with coffee and Check-In starting at 9:30 am, followed by a 2 km walk, snack, music and a short program. Register to walk or make a donation online at donate.parkinson.ca/Lanark-NorthLeeds or call 1 (800) 565-3000 and ask for SuperWalk.