Dear friends and family

You know summer is near when you receive my annual Parkinson appeal request.  I am a little late to my his year, but I hope you will still be able to consider helping me with my efforts to raise funds to eradicate this life altering disease.

 It is hard to believe how fast the time goes.   Personally, I feel I am running out of time to benefit from the progress that research is making.   Part of the problem is that Parkinson’s is a very complex disease to study since everyone experiences different symptoms and at different time.

I have “enjoyed” its company for 34 years.  The symptoms are becoming worse. The upside is I have made many dear friends and had experiences that I would not have had otherwise.  The memories are precious and help me through the tough days. That being said, the effects are not pleasant, the falls are more frequent and painful.  I have been dependent on my wheelchair for a couple of years now.  I also need help with dressing and eating. My voice is slurring and softer, even without a drink. My handwriting is on a par with doctors. I am fortunate to have a great family who are the best caregivers ever. I dream of the day the phone will ring and I will hear that a cure has been found.  Of course I hope I will still be able to pick up the phone.

I am not alone. There are at least 100,000 others and their families in Canada who share my dream. A goodly number are under the age of 50 and are still working and raising a young family. The situation is very sad if the diagnosed person is also the main bread winner and cannot work anymore.  We need to do more. The increase in the number of newly diagnosed is growing rapidly.

I would appreciate if you would consider sponsoring me for the 2020 Superwalk no matter how much or how little is.  If you are unable to this year I understand and wish you well.

Thank you everyone.

Mary Martin