I wish you could meet my wife of 35 years, Margot.

Before she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s more than 30 years ago, Margot was the kind of person who’d get up bright and early, work all day as a Registered Nurse, then teach piano until 9 or 10 at night. Her energy was boundless!

As her Parkinson’s progressed, that changed. And, Parkinson’s changed me from not only being her husband, but to being her care partner as well. It set us on a different path. But, I’m so happy to tell you that it never tore us apart.

Walk and Donate for John and Margot
And all Canadians living with Parkinson's.
Register Today.

From the day we met, Margot and I have been a team. Since her diagnosis I have wanted to help her have the best life she can. Margot worked for 12 years after she was diagnosed. She’d often be tired so I supported her however I could. I ran the household and when she traveled for work I went with her. There were high out-of-pocket expenses and my career certainly was impacted but I often say it’s like switching over to "alternate programming". It’s not what you expected, but it’s an adventure!

Throughout our journey I’ve been involved with Parkinson Canada in a variety of ways, twice serving on the national board and on a local advisory council. Margot and I also founded a support group near our home that still operates today. We’ve been so fortunate that there has always been a source of support available to us, and we’ve also used local networks to make sure that we haven’t been alone on that journey.

Participating in Parkinson Canada SuperWalk has always been about supporting an organization that has done so much for us, but also about connecting with others in our community. By walking together, we stand strong in the face of Parkinson’s. We won’t let it beat us, No Matter What.

Thank you,

John Parkhurst

P.S. Your support of Parkinson Canada SuperWalk funds research designed to make life better for Canadians living with Parkinson’s and one day find a cure for John, Margot and others. It also provides funding for support programs and education materials, including the recently released Care Partners Manual. Says John, "it delivers supportive, accurate information to caregivers, and references to other resources that are a big help when navigating a Parkinson’s journey. I sincerely wish there had been something like it when Margot was first diagnosed."

Thank you for supporting the people with Parkinson’s in your life, the care partners, and the resources that help them live well.

Thank You,