I'm Pedaling for Parkinson’s to raise money for Parkinson Canada. 
My story is no different than before, but this year I am riding with a team… G.L. Gals  My ride is twice as important this year as one of my teammates, her mom was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I am honoured to be sharing this journey with her and our friends.

My mother became sick with a type of Parkinson's several years ago.  I had no idea there were other "types" of Parkinson's disease.  My mother was a strong independent woman who because of this disease wasted away to nothing.  She starting losing her balance and having terrible falls.  She had 2 "episodes" that forced my parents to sell their new home as she needed full time care.  She spent months in the hospital after each episode where she deteriorated more and more each passing day.  She finally received a bed in a LTC.  Over those few years she lost the ability to walk, the ability to feed herself, talk and even swallow.  Eating became dangerous and we had to make the tough decision to let her go. 

I still am grieving my mom and what this disease took from her and from me.  Although I can't change my mom's outcome I can try to change it for someone else's loved one. This ride hopefully will be another step along my healing journey.  

Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. In the brain, nerves exchange signals through dopamine, a chemical that controls movement. Parkinson's symptoms occur when cells that produce dopamine die. Currently, there is no cure, and the need is only increasing. By 2031, the number of people living with Parkinson's in Canada will more than double. The support you provide makes a positive impact: improving the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's disease as well as finding a cure.

With your donation, we can help people with Parkinson's live a better life today and work toward a world without Parkinson's tomorrow.  Please give what you can and share with others so they too can support this cause