TORONTO, Sept. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - This coming weekend, September 10 and 11, more than 10,000 everyday heroes in communities across the country will lace up their sneakers and walk in the 26th annual Parkinson SuperWalk, bringing hope and encouragement to the more than 100,000 Canadians living with the challenges and stigma of this degenerative brain disease.
"This inspiring community event connects families impacted by Parkinson's and is the largest fundraiser for Parkinson's disease in the country," says Jon Collins, Associate Director, Events & Partnerships, Parkinson Canada. "And the funds raised not only help those living with the disease with educational and support programs, but also are invested in outstanding researchers with grants, awards and fellowships through the Parkinson Canada Research Program." Since 1981, the Research Program has invested more than $26 million in more than 500 projects and researchers.
One of these dedicated researchers is Dr. Sean Udow, a neurologist who has spent the past year at Toronto's Sunnybrook Research Institute, honing his clinical skills and investigating the potential connection between blood pressure fluctuations and cognitive deficits in people with Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. His Garden Centre Group Co-op Corp. Clinical Movement Disorders Fellowship was awarded by the Parkinson Canada Research Program.
"I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity to work with expert clinicians and inspiring patients and to pursue this research," says Udow. "And it wouldn't have happened without the funding from Parkinson Canada and its supporters."
As Dr. Udow continues his training and research during a second fellowship year at Toronto Western Hospital, he will also volunteer on Parkinson Canada's Medical Advisory Committee, helping to produce evidence-based educational resources for health professionals and people living with Parkinson's. And today he will be delivering a Parkinson Canada webinar on Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson Disease, which will be available afterwards on www.parkinson.ca.
Eventually, Dr. Udow plans to return to Winnipeg, Manitoba to practice as a movement disorders specialist, a medical specialty in high demand across the country. The training of such specialists is another goal of the Parkinson Canada Research Program, as future demand is expected to continue to grow.
You and your family can help fund dedicated researchers and clinicians like Dr. Udow and continue to bring hope for the future, and ultimately a cure, by joining everyday heroes across the country. Register today for Parkinson SuperWalk in your community or as a virtual walker by visiting www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca or contact Parkinson Canada at 1-800-565-3000 for details on a SuperWalk location near you.
About Parkinson SuperWalk
Parkinson SuperWalk provides the opportunity for participants to raise funds and awareness on behalf of all Canadians living with Parkinson's. The national sponsors for 2016 are Naturegg Burnbrae and Roots Canada. Since 1990, Parkinson SuperWalk has raised more than $34 million, which is invested in communities across Canada to provide support services, education for individuals and health professionals, and advocacy for people affected by Parkinson's. Funds are also invested in research into improving treatments and finding a cure.
SOURCE Parkinson Canada
Image with caption: "Dr. Sean Udow has just completed a Clinical Movement Disorders Fellowship funded by the Parkinson Canada Research Program and is currently pursuing a second fellowship year in Movement Disorders at the Toronto Western Hospital. He now volunteers with Parkinson Canada’s Medical Advisory Committee. (CNW Group/Parkinson Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160907_C7968_PHOTO_EN_766422.jpg
Kelly Mills, Parkinson Canada, 1-800-565-3000 ext. 3469 or 416-227-9700, ext. 3469, [email protected]
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