A step-by-step approach to combating Parkinson's disease will be taken later this month when a "superwalk" will be held to raise money for research and support of its victims.
Set for Sept. 10 at Fort George Park, the event typically draws about 50 people and raises $4,500 each year, but organizer Ron Corbett is hoping to improve on those numbers, particularly because, as we get older, we become more susceptible to the ailment.
With the help of volunteers from Telus, which will be providing hot dogs and pop to the participants, Corbett is also hoping to make the superwalk a bit of a fun, family event - something to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disorder that affects 11,000 people in B.C. and more than 100,000 in Canada. There are about 30 people in the local support group but Corbett suspects there are many more with the ailment in the city.
Early symptoms are movement-related, including shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking and gait. Later, cognitive and behavioural problems may arise, with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease.
Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems.
Registration is at noon and the walk around Fort George starts at 12:30 p.m. at the picnic shelter at 17th Avenue and Taylor Drive.
For more information, call Corbett at 250-964-9695 or visit parkinsonsuperwalk.ca.
