The annual Prince George Parkinson SuperWalk was held Saturday afternoon at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park and about 130 people were on site to show their support for those afflicted with the neurodegenerative condition.
Don Summerfeld is one local resident who was at the walk volunteering at the Parkinson's Support Group tent to encourage those who have the disease to join the group.
"It's OK to deal with your own problems but it's good to share, you know?" Summerfeld said. He was diagnosed with the disease about two and a half years ago and finds the local group to be of great comfort.
"It's good to have a sounding board," he added. "I know some people don't want to admit they've got a problem but once you break that barrier down, life is good."
Summerfeld said during the support group meetings they don't just talk about the disease, they talk about lots of other things, too.
"Sometimes life's too short to just dwell on your problems," Summerfeld said.
Summerfeld is always happy to see the support the Prince George community offers to those in need. There are a variety of causes out there and he knows the community stands behind them.
"It's not just about supporting those with cancer," Summerfeld said. "The community is very aware that there are other problems out there and they come out and support - and it doesn't matter what the weather - they always show up."
During the opening remarks before starting the walk around the park, MLS Shirley Bond, who participates in the event every year said a few words of welcome while wearing her vintage 2012 T-shirt to show her unending support.
"When I think of the hope you are helping create by being here today, it's so important," Bond said. "This is about research and supporting families who have a loved one who is suffering from Parkinson's."
Bond went on to thank those supporting the walk with their attendance.
"Today's about showing that we care," Bond said. "And it's about making sure people who are diagnosed with Parkinson's don't feel alone in our community. So thank you to the caregivers, the supporters, the Parkinson's Society, the organizers who have been so faithful. You are making a difference by showing up, by walking, by donating and caring for those families who are going through such a challenging time. We can make a difference and you're doing that today by attending the walk."
Movement in the body is controlled by dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. Symptoms of Parkinson's appear when cells that normally produce dopamine die.
Tremors are the first symptom to appear in about 70 per cent of people with Parkinson's, according to the Parkinson's Society of B.C. website. There are currently 13,300 British Columbians with Parkinson's disease.
To donate to the cause visit www.parkinson.bc.ca and click on the SuperWalk.
The Prince George Parkinson's Support Group meets every second Saturday of the month at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. For more information call Linda 250-964-7994, Ron at 250-964-9695 or Gina 250-960-1600.
On Saturday, Sept. 29 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Centre there will be a Community Talk on Emotional and Mental Health where Canadian clinical counsellor Myriame Lepine Lyons will discuss emotional and mental health for those affected by Parkinson's disease. This talk is geared for both those afflicted and their caregivers. $15 for non-members, $10 for members. Registration for the event closes on Monday, Sept. 24. Call 1-800-668-3330.
