Parkinson's Disease, is so little known. - "Changing the way we look at
Parkinson's Disease"

MONTREAL, April 15 /CNW Telbec/ - During these 10th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Parkinson Society Québec, Parkinson disease awareness-raising month has as its theme: "Changing the way we look at Parkinson's Disease and leaving isolation behind."

To highlight this event, Parkinson Society Québec is holding its first-ever benefit evening Wednesday, April 28th at the Monument National in Montreal; the theme is " Changing the way we look at Parkinson's Disease " and the objective is to raise awareness of this disease and to make it better known among general public alike. Doctor Philippe Couillard, neurosurgeon, will be the evening's guest of honour and will give a short speech on the way in which Parkinson's disease is perceived and on the phenomenon of total isolation.

A WORLD PREMIÈRE -The first part of the evening, will consist of a show both original and courageous featuring ten amateur dancers "Les Pas possibles" who all suffer from various stages of Parkinson's disease, choreography by Louise Bédard, world-renowned choreographer, to original music composed and interpreted by Blair Thomson, composer and arranger, on two pianos. The second part features Diane Dufresne - an intimist concert.

Often, people with Parkinson's disease will have difficulty speaking; their stare will be fixed or frozen; their arms will flail endlessly or they will walk slowly, occasionally falling... however, those are only a few of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. All of the back of this page would be required to list all of its symptoms, as well as another page to list all of the side effects of current medication: nausea, constipation, confusion, depression. Parkinson's disease also means...

...Having embarrassing moments while others look on, so much so it often seems preferable to find comfort in isolation. A better understanding of Parkinson's disease can break down taboos and stigmas. Let's try to better understand... What does a diagnosis mean? Everyone reacts differently according to personality, beliefs, character, history, values and culture. But they all share the following: They are willing to fight, often heroically, against the disease which, in its various stages, causes physical difficulties which manifest themselves in day-to-day life. They face prejudice on a daily basis because their behaviour will be deemed "strange" and disturbing; prejudice which hurts and isolates. Awareness of Parkinson's disease must be raised! It is so little known!

For further information: and interview requests: Marie-France Brennan-Paquin, V.P. Communications - Parkinson Society Québec, [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]; Louise Bédard, choreographer, Blair Thomson, composer, and a neurologist are available for interview.