September 13, 2020 will be mine and Anita (Gutteridge)'s participation in the annual Parkinson’s SuperWalk in Northumberland.  The funds raised are used for programs and research to help the more than 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease, along with their care partners and family members.

I'm proud to participate in SuperWalk, an event that emphasizes the strength of spirit the Parkinson community shows - one that understands that while symptoms may cause challenges, it takes courage to try and fail and try again and again. So everyone can recognize what true strength of character looks like No Matter What.

As we all know someone who suffers with this crippling disease, 25 Canadians will be diagnosed every day.  We would ask you to consider a donation to our Parkinson SuperWalk Campaign.  These funds are valuable contributions that support programs and research.  The programs have created a better understanding of the disease, new and improved ways in which it is treated. With continued support we hope that someday soon we will find a cure for this disease or at least a way to effectively treat it for all individuals.

My journey with Parkinson’s was first diagnosed two years ago.  I am on a medication regime which helps to regulate and control my symptoms.  I have symptoms of Parkinson's that impede my life to some extent, and unfortunately this spring I experienced a serious accident falling from my bicycle and breaking my hip.  I am still not fully recovered so my participation in this year's event is limited. 

Contributions from people like you help to develop and research ways to help persons with Parkinson.  A great illustration of this is deep brain stimulation surgery. This is now an accepted practice in Canada and Toronto Western Hospital has 3 neurosurgeons that do nothing but this surgery.

My brother-in-law John Gutteridge was offered and qualified for this surgery and he had a successful surgery at the beginning of this year. This surgery was offered to him because over the 10 years that he has had Parkinsons, he has experienced a slow progression of the disease. The surgery although it was invasive, reduced the need for some medication and allows him to live a more normal life with less medication and dyskinesia. 

Your donations help bring these solutions to a reality and provide hope for all of us with Parkinson’s and other neurological deceases.