"It takes a community to fight Parkinson's!"
Teams walk together with hope for a cure
VANCOUVER, June 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Lace up your runners and grab a friend - registration is now open for Parkinson SuperWalk. The 18th annual event takes place on Sunday, September 8, 2013, at 10am in Vancouver's Stanley Park (Ceperley Playground). Organizations, businesses, families and friends will walk together and enjoy the triumph of teamwork while raising critical funds for Parkinson's research, support services and education. Participants can register by visiting www.parkinson.bc.ca.
SuperWalk is the largest national fundraising event for Parkinson's disease and this September, 95 communities across Canada and 18 communities throughout BC (Burnaby, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Cranbrook, Duncan, Elk Valley, Fraser Valley, Invermere, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson, Parksville, Pitt Meadows, Prince George, Salmon Arm, Surrey and Vernon) will join the fight to find a cure. In communities with no organized walk, supporters can get involved by registering as a virtual walker. In BC, the goal is to beat 2012's fundraising record of $595,000 and nationwide, the aim is to raise $3.3 million.
Teams are at the heart of SuperWalk's success and Team Captains are champions for spreading the word. Pat Lanphear's husband, Keith, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in May of 2000, "We participated in our first SuperWalk that September and were amazed by the support the Walk generated for Keith and others with the disease." With Pat as Captain, Team Lanphear officially formed in 2003 and has since raised more than $65,000!
A community of close family members, relatives, friends and friends-of-friends will join Team Lanphear again this year in Vancouver. "SuperWalk is important to us because the funds raised are essential for those living with the disease, including caregivers and family. Our ultimate hope is to find the cause and a cure for Parkinson's, but until then, we hope for quality of life - today and into the future."
Proceeds from SuperWalk go to research and support services provided by Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC). Last year alone, PSBC funded two local researchers, hosted a regional conference and Young Onset seminar, delivered clinician training and community lectures to more than 400 people across the province, added 5 new support groups (bringing the current total to 53), and spoke one-on-one to more than 1,700 individuals seeking information.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer's. It is estimated that 11,000 British Columbians and more than 100,000 Canadians live with the disease. It is cruel and unforgiving causing tremors, rigidity, postural instability, difficulty talking, walking and swallowing, reduced facial expression, and in some cases, depression and dementia. The debilitating effects of Parkinson's are felt not only by the person with the disease, but their entire family. It knows no bounds and can strike anyone - women and men of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles. There is currently no known cure.
Parkinson Society British Columbia
Established in 1969, Parkinson Society British Columbia is a not-for-profit charitable organization that exists to address the personal and social consequences of Parkinson's disease through education, community outreach, scientific research, advocacy and public awareness.
SPONSOR
Global BC
SOURCE: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Reference or to arrange an interview with Pat Lanphear:
Laura Darch
Marketing & Communications
T: 604.662.3240
C: 604.771.4721
E: [email protected]
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