I’ve been personally touched by the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.  Five years ago, almost exactly, we were in Greece with our dear friends Kerry and Wendy, on the vacation of a lifetime. No expense had been spared. Kerry had been diagnosed with ALS, our fabulous vacations together would be coming to an end. A little time into the trip, I noticed I couldn’t shake the jet lag , just couldn’t get past it. Then we were on a boat in the middle of the Adriatic Sea, where the four of us jumped over the side to go for a big deep swim to escape the heat, and the whole left side of my body didn’t work. Thanks to salty water, and some deep breath’s, I managed to float back to the boat, made up yet another excuse to my gang, and the day carried on. A few days later, I confessed to my husband that I had been struggling with many things in my day to day life for quite some time. Like years.  Fast forward a week, after conversations with my primary care physician, and one of my besties, who also happens to be a doctor, I went from Greece to  Lions Gate Hospital emergency, to a neurologist referral, to a diagnosis of MSA [ Multiple symptom atrophy] a Parkinsonism with a terminal ending not unlike ALS. After two years with that diagnosis, and symptoms not developing, my friends Larry and Rebecca Gifford and my doc Bestie, got me an appointment at the Movement Disorder clinic , and a new diagnosis “just” Parkinson’s disease.

All contributions, no matter how big or how small, are critical to those affected by Parkinson's. I hope you’ll support my walk this year and help me reach my fundraising goal.

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and can manifest itself in a range of both motor and non-motor symptoms. Living with Parkinson's can be incredibly challenging for the individual as well as for their family, friends, and carepartners. Currently, there is no cure but there are many advances being made.

Your donation will help Parkinson Society British Columbia continue to provide valuable programs, services, advocacy efforts and research efforts. 

Every dollar is one step closer to improving the lives of those in need. If you would like to help us People with Parkinson’s like me and my newly diagnosed favourite Aunty Irene, let’s raise mountains of cash and cure this absolutely devastating disease. I’ll be walking with the amazing PD Avengers team, kicking the sh*t out of it!!

Please support me. Thank you!