Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease there is just HOPE

My journey with Parkinson’s began in 2015.  This was a very scary time for me and my family and the Parkinson Society of BC was there to provide support services so that we did not feel like we were facing this disease alone.

Living with Parkinson's has been challenging for me, my husband and my family and friends.  In particular, this past year has been very difficult because my disease progressed faster than expected and I experienced a number of symptoms which impacted on the quality of my life.

Imagine one minute you are cutting up vegetables and the next minute your hand turns into a claw and the knife almost cuts off your finger.  Or perhaps you are skiing on your favourite mountain trail and one minute you feel as steady as a mountain goat and the next minute you cannot move your leg and you almost fall off of a cliff. Or, perhaps you just moved into a new community and your wiggles and slurred speech are really bad one day when you are in the drug store and the clerk thinks that you are the town drunk. And then of course, there are the times when you have to walk up a very steep walkway backwards because this is easier than walking forwards..

One treatment that has been life changing for other people in my situation is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). I am currently on a 5-year waiting list to receive this surgery in BC - I am a good candidate for this surgery now, but will I be a good candidate in 5 years. The Parkinson Society of BC has been a strong advocate for people with Parkinson’s that require DBS and has worked with the BC Ministry of Health to reduce the wait times for patients. The good news is that funding has been secured to hire a second neurosurgeon in BC to do this surgery and wait times should reduce.

The Parkinson Society of BC is a not-for-profit organization supported entirely by donations from individuals, members, corporations and foundations. 

SuperWalk is on Saturday September 10, 2022 and it is the largest fundraiser for the Parkinson Society of BC. Your donation will help the Parkinson Society of British Columbia continue to provide valuable programs, services, advocacy efforts and research contributions.

I am part of a team that are walking together (virtually) to raise awareness for
Parkinson Disease– we are called the Oliver Osoyoos Online Steppers.

The Oliver/Osoyoos Online Steppers want to make a difference for people with Parkinson’s – especially for people that live in a rural area.  Access to resources, services, and programs is very difficult for people living in rural BC. 

How can you help – you could take part in SuperWalk on September 10, 2022 by joining a walk if there is one in your area, you could walk on your own or with others  to show your support or you could consider making a donation.

All donations, no matter how big or how small, are critical to support those affected by Parkinson's. Donations of $20 or more are tax deductible and you will receive a tax receipt from the Parkinson Society of British Columbia.

In Gratitude, Deborah Lang