He’s been doing it for about 15 years and for Ron Corbett, it’s become a personal passion with each year that goes by.
“My dad had Parkinson’s disease and I’ve been involved with this ever since. I’ve just carried on.”
Corbett is the organizer of the annual Parkinson SuperWalk in Prince George which will be held on Sept. 9 at the picnic shelter at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.
Registration is at noon and the walk starts at 12:30.
The event has been a staple in the community for a number of years and it’s one that Corbett feels needs to continue in helping raise awareness about the disease.
“It’s been up and down,” Corbett said.
“But it’s our volunteers from the Parkinson Society who make it happen every year.
“We do it for all of those living with the disease.”
“That’s always been our goal and to make it grow every year.”
This year, participants and volunteers from 23 locations across the province hope to raise $460,000 in support of those living with the disease and their families.
Proceeds support programs, services, research and advocacy efforts.
In the past, local MLA’s have taken part and pipe band usually get the runners off to a good start as they make their way.
Corbett is confident this year will bring the same excitement and more.
“And the Telus Community Ambassadors will be selling hot dogs again this year,” Corbet said.
In B.C. about 13,000 individuals live with Parkinson’s and there is more than 100,000 Canadians live with the condition.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s which is a disorder of the brain and is the most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s.
The SuperWalk is the biggest fundraising event for Parkinson Society Canada and each year about 14,000 people across Canada participate.
The Parkinson Society is a not-for-profit charitable organization which continues to address personal and social issues related to Parkinson’s through education, research, community outreach, advocacy and public awareness.
For more information and to make a donation, visit: www.parkinson.bc.ca or call organizer, Ron Corbett at: 250-961-8962.
