Parkinson Canada SuperWalk Ottawa: Ms. Claire Haas

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Superwalk for Parkinson
It’s that time again....Superwalk. Participants got together in September 2019 to cheer each other on and to walk, raising funds for their important and varied work. Things are different in 2020, to say the least.
Last year was a good year to raise money. This year not so much. But needs have not changed. Parkinson Society of Canada has had to endure major cuts due to the effects of Covid19 and has not been able to continue events like Superwalk, as they once were. The golf tournament fundraiser, exercise classes, support group meetings have all had to be cancelled. We adapt. Support groups have been meeting via Zoom. This year’s Superwalk will be done as individuals and small groups, in neighbourhood across the country on Sept. 12. I will be walking in my neighbourhood. This year, it is even more important to raise as much money as possible.
Education and Support

Imagine getting a diagnosis of Parkinson Disease. Where do you turn for information and support? Parkinson Canada continually disseminates educational literature and has run its support groups on Zoom. It is comforting to know that others who have the same issues are available to ask questions and give advice to those who are new to the disease. Counselling and educational literature are available to help patients and caregivers make important life decisions together.
Advocacy
The year 2020 began with a trip to the hospital for my husband, who suffered a dislocated hip (something to do with his prosthetic hip) and a stay of two weeks in their rehab ward. Such events are never “planned” of course and are a major setback to “living life well with Parkinsons.” During this time, friends from the Parkinson Support Group were there for us, as well as the medical team at the hospital. While in hospital, we benefitted from an advocacy initiative put forward by Parkinson Society: Get your Medication on Time. Even hospital workers were mostly unaware that Parkinson medication works best when taken an hour before meals and we had to work hard to get medication delivered ahead of meals, instead of the usual hospital routine of taking medication at mealtime. But after much talking, they came through and delivered the medication before meals, so they could be eaten hot.
Research
Parkinson Society helps to fund ongoing basic research into the cause of, and treatments for the disease. Exercise has been found to be one of the best possible “treatment” for Parkinson disease. Hence, the provision by the Parkinson Society to deliver local exercise programs to people with Parkinson.
Your donation will help Parkinson Canada to continue this very important work.
I encourage you to donate at “donate.parkinson.ca” and find me, Claire Haas, and then click donate. You will get a tax receipt automatically by email for online donations of $20 or more. Or you can make a cheque to Parkinson Canada and contact me by return email for a mailing address. Charitable tax receipts for amounts of $20 or more will be sent after the event. My family has two people on the Parkinson Pathway, my husband and my brother.
If you can, please donate!