Parkinson’s is a lifelong, incurable neurodegenerative disorder that occurs when brain cells involved in mobility and coordination are dying. As a progressive disease, symptoms slowly worsen, and new ones develop over time.
While Parkinson's is typically known for its movement-related symptoms like tremors and difficulty with mobility, non-movement symptoms such as anxiety and depression, sleep issues, thinking problems, and sometimes even dementia can also occur.
In total, there are more than 35 Parkinson’s symptoms, and they can vary from one person to the next making everyone’s experience with the disease unique. Not all symptoms of Parkinson’s are outwardly visible, and the severity of symptoms can change from day to day and even by the hour.
SuperWalk is the largest annual fundraiser for Parkinson Canada, and to date, the event has raised over $43 million to fuel research, create support tools and promote advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s.
“Events like SuperWalk enable us to deliver tailored programs and services within communities across Canada, and fund research that is furthering our understanding of Parkinson’s and seeking new treatments that help ensure people living with Parkinson’s are able to live well today,” says Karen Lee, PhD, CEO of Parkinson Canada. “This event, and the community that it helps to create, is very inspiring to those living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Together, we can have an immense impact on the services being offered, the research being done, and the Canadians we’re able to help every day.”
Carla Collier is a Parkinson Canada ambassador, participates in the SuperWalk, and has recently been fundraising for Parkinson Canada with her “Strive to Thrive 55” initiative. Carla, motivated by someone in the United Kingdom, decided to set a goal of walking 5 kilometers per day for 55 consecutive days and raising money along the way. She wanted to raise awareness about the disease and fund research that would result in treatments to slow the progression of Parkinson’s.
Fortunately, Carla was able to achieve her goal, although she did have to listen to her body and take a two day break because her blood pressure was low (a common symptom of the disease). She made up for the lost mileage on better days. Carla has always had the support of both her family and close friends but she hadn’t anticipated that so many other friends and acquaintances would embrace her cause. Carla found the donations and the words of encouragement and support very humbling and she was truly grateful to have so many people offer to walk with her, share conversations, and help her raise $2700!
Carla became an ambassador with Parkinson Canada shortly after her diagnosis at the age of 49. She wanted to learn about Parkinson’s disease quickly. She had been having symptoms for 3 to 4 years before getting a firm diagnosis. Carla’s first symptom was a tremor in her pinky finger. The tremor slowly increased to include her arm and she also had shoulder pain. People often commented to her that she “looked stiff”. Years before her diagnosis, she had also lost her sense of smell, which can be an early sign in some cases.
Today Carla’s symptoms are managed by taking her medication on time, exercising, healthy diet, getting enough quality sleep, and by reducing stress. Medication affects everyone differently and the side effects can be difficult to manage.
Also, the symptoms someone might have and how quickly the condition develops will differ from one person to the next. Carla has had no side effects from her medication so far but has seen her symptoms progress. Walking is her “most effective medicine” because it helps her remain flexible and she feels better every time she gets out for a walk no matter the weather.
Carla is one of more than 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s, a number expected to increase substantially in the coming years with over 30 Canadians diagnosed every day. Parkinson Canada funds critical research, provides information and support, increases awareness and advocates for improved healthcare outcomes for people with Parkinson's across Canada.
Dust off your most comfortable shoes and get ready to join Parkinson Canada for the 34th annual SuperWalk. Join us in-person or find a virtual walk. Please visit the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk site to register or make a donation.