Everyday heroes honour couple’s memory by raising funds and inspiring hope through Parkinson Canada SuperWalk
TORONTO, ON, September 9, 2015 - On September 12 and 13, more than 14,000 everyday heroes in 115 communities across the country will display their superpowers in the 25th annual Parkinson Canada SuperWalk. Each year, the event raises awareness and money to support valuable research, education, resources and support services for Canadians living with Parkinson’s and their families.
Indeed, it is family members, friends and community supporters that often walk together as a SuperWalk team to show their support for those living with Parkinson’s disease. In the case of the Mississauga Wilkinson Warriors (formerly the Mississauga Warriors), the 18-member team is made up of people connected to the Mississauga Parkinson’s Support Group and their friends and families. They are all walking this year to honour the memory of Jim Wilkinson, the former leader of their support group, who passed away in early February 2015, and his wife Maureen, who passed away this spring.
“Jim was our spiritual leader,” says Bruno Bellissimo, who has taken up the Warriors captain role that Jim held for the last three years. “He was inspirational and he wanted to ensure that no one had to face Parkinson’s alone. And, he was hopeful that a cure for Parkinson’s would be found soon.”
The Warriors want to surpass the $28,000 the team raised last year. They are close with more than $27,000 raised to date. Members have held several events in advance of Parkinson Canada SuperWalk, contributing more than $8,500 to their total so far. The rest comes from individuals sponsoring the team’s SuperWalkers.
This weekend, Bruno and the rest of the Mississauga Wilkinson Warriors will use their superpowers to honour Jim and Maureen Wilkinson one group among thousands of everyday heroes across Canada who volunteer and participate in Parkinson Canada SuperWalk. The goal is to raise $3 million to help all Canadians with Parkinson’s live the best possible life and to find a cure for this complex disease.
To donate, and to find a walk and register, visit us online at www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca. Follow Parkinson Canada SuperWalk on Facebook or on Twitter @SuperWalk. For more about Parkinson’s disease and to find resources in your community, visit www.parkinson.ca or call 1-800-565-3000.
About Parkinson Canada SuperWalk
Since 1990, more than $31 million has been raised so far by Parkinson Canada SuperWalk and invested in communities across Canada to provide evidence-based education resources, advocacy and support services. Parkinson Canada SuperWalk proceeds also support Parkinson Society Canada’s National Research Program. Since 1981, more than $24 million has been invested in over 450 projects to identify causes, improve treatments and to one day find a cure.
About Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disease for which there is no cure. More than 100,000 Canadians and over six million people worldwide have Parkinson’s. By 2031, the Parkinson’s population in Canada is expected to double. Since 1965, Parkinson Society Canada, along with a network of partners, chapters and support groups, has provided support, education, advocacy and funding for research.
For more information, please contact:
Marina Joseph, Director, Corporate Communication
Parkinson Society Canada
1-800-565-3000 ext. 3399
marina.joseph@parkinson.ca
