Parkinson Canada SuperWalk 2018 -- No Matter What
TORONTO, April 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Parkinson Canada, the definitive voice of the Parkinson community in Canada for over 50 years, is pleased to announce that the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk 2018 will take place September 8 through 16 in communities across Canada. Over 10,000 participants and 4,000 fundraising walkers will come together to raise over $2.4 million.
SuperWalk has raised over $37 million since the first walk took place in 1990, launched by 15 volunteers who marched up Bathurst Street in Toronto.
Parkinson's affects over 100,000 Canadians, a number expected to increase substantially in the coming years, with 25 Canadians diagnosed each day. Continued support is needed in order to fund research to find a cure. Since 1981 the generosity of donors, including SuperWalk supporters, has enabled Parkinson Canada to invest more than $27 million in 528 research projects.
"We want to thank SuperWalk participants who continue to raise significant funds and increase public awareness of our charity," says Joyce Gordon, CEO, Parkinson Canada. "These funds help us to greatly impact the lives of those living with Parkinson's, their caregivers and healthcare professionals, and offer hope for a future without Parkinson's. For these individuals, a cure can't wait."
Parkinson Canada funded a researcher who has recently published his breakthrough findings. Scott Ryan, Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, received a two-year $90,000 Pedaling for Parkinson's New Investigator Award in the 2014–2016 funding cycle.
"Identifying the crucial role cardiolipin plays in keeping these proteins functional means cardiolipin may represent a new target for development of therapies against Parkinson's disease," said Ryan of his findings. "Currently, there are no treatments that stop nerve cells from dying." Read more on his project and the recent publication here: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-02/uog-uog022318.php.
People living with Parkinson's will be joined by family and friends across the country, along with healthcare professionals and dedicated volunteers, in the spirit of "No Matter What."
This year, Parkinson Canada is taking a moment after the walk to shine a light on Everyday Heroes across the country, who showcase the "No Matter What" resiliency and strength of spirit in their daily lives. In 2017, the organization selected Ardyce Glessing from over 100 nominees, of Wadena, Saskatchewan. Ardyce has not let her Parkinson diagnosis in 2008 change her life or relationship with family and friends. She reflects, "When someone has Parkinson's, the whole family and everyone who loves them do too. We must not dwell on what we can't do and be thankful for what we can."
About Parkinson Canada
Parkinson Canada provides services and education to people living with Parkinson's disease, their families, and the healthcare professionals who treat them. Operating since 1965, the organization advocates on issues that concern the Parkinson's community in Canada. The Parkinson Canada Research Program funds innovative research for better treatments and a cure. A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada fulfils its mission through the generosity of donors and is an accredited organization under the Imagine Canada Standards Program. Parkinson Canada participates in numerous coalitions and partnerships to effectively fulfil its mission.
About Parkinson Canada SuperWalk 2018
Parkinson SuperWalk provides the opportunity for participants to raise funds and awareness on behalf of all Canadians living with Parkinson's. The national sponsor for 2018 is Burnbrae Farms. Since 1990, Parkinson SuperWalk has raised more than $38 million, which is invested in communities across Canada to provide services, education, and advocacy for people affected by Parkinson's and for Parkinson's research into improving treatments and finding a cure.
For more information, including video and photo assets, visit http://donate.parkinson.ca/superwalkmedia.
SOURCE Parkinson Canada
Jon Collins, 1-800-565-3000 ext. 3370, [email protected]
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