I'm taking part in the Growling Beaver to raise money for Parkinson Canada, which will empower the Parkinson's community through tailored support, innovative research and raising the voice of all those impacted by Parkinson's.
I will be taking on the challenge of cycling 100 km through the Beaver Valley. The inspiration of this ride is my mother Ofelia, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in December of 2022, after a very lengthy and difficult journey.
My mom has always been the picture of health and has always lived an active lifestyle. She was a distance runner, and fitness enthusiast. This evolved to a passion for hiking, climbing, and yoga. Unfortunately, in the winter of 2020 she experienced a shoulder tear after a fall, and then Covid hit. Due to the world being shut down, there was a lengthy delay in her treatment. She would have to wait until the following year for the surgical repair. Because of her injury, my mom was unable to be active in the ways that she was previously. Her mobility began to decline and she began to experience pain apart from her shoulder injury. She was showing symptoms of what we now know was the Parkinson’s. Interestingly, it was her daily activity which had stiffled her symptoms.
This took a real physical and emotional toll on my momma. Getting to the diagnosis was not easy as her blood work and imaging all appeared normal. But with the guidance of her amazing neurologist, she started medication, and her progress was astounding!! My momma was back
Then in March of 2023 my beautiful momma suffered a brain aneurysm, which resulted in a hemorrhagic stroke. Although it was a miracle in itself that she survived, she suffered many post-op complications, and things looked very bleak. We were not sure what things would look like and were told she would probably not walk again. But they didn’t know my momma. She is a fighter, and as stubborn as they get!! With extensive rehab, an amazing neurology and medical team, she is doing beyond what we could have predicted. And she enjoys her daily walks, exercises, time with her daughters and grandchildren, and is even back to her world travel with her loving husband Rod. She is my inspiration and hero.
My mom is so thankful for Parkinsons Canada for all the support and resources she has received that has helped her navigate her Parkinson’s diagnosis. She is also super thankful for all the campaigning and advocacy work done by Michael J. Fox for those with Parkinson’s. He has made such a big impact!
This is why I am challenging myself with a 100km ride, including some decent elevation, which will take time, effort, and some grit to train for and complete. This is in solidarity with my momma, to recognize the difficult journey she has been through, in hopes to help fund more research and treatments that can help her and those diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Your donation ensures that a full, vibrant life is still possible for over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's.
