Despite the fact that the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk looked different this year, the group, based out of Perth, still raised over $56,000 for the cause. On September 12, there was no stopping Lou McCann, who is a member of the Parkinson’s Boxing Group out of Smiths Falls. Although Parkinson SuperWalk participants could not gather in a group this year, Lou was determined not to let the day go by without supporting his “Parkinson’s family.” He organized a relay from Smiths Falls to Perth, which allowed participants to walk in their own bubble for a section of the route. Participants included Bob Arnold, golfer Brooke Henderson’s great uncle, and Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Panko, who joined in for the last leg of the relay to Perth’s Centennial Park. “This was certainly different than the past three years, but just as successful,” Mayor Pankow said. “You are all an inspiration. I will see you at next year’s walk. No matter what.”
The Parkinson Super-Walk has been taking place across Canada for 30 years. The Lanark North Leeds SuperWalk started in 2017, and has since raised over $200,000 to support a better life for people living with Parkinson’s today, and a cure for tomorrow. This is due to the generous support of the community, including people like Rob and Deborah Campbell from Campbell’s Trucking, who raised $3,500 this year through sponsorship and collecting donations. The support of the community is welcome and much needed, as the number of people living with Parkinson’s Disease is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade.
“Relative to the size of the population, and the impact of COVID, the amount of money we have raised is incredible,” says Pat Evans, a local advocate who has Parkinson’s. “I continue to believe that it is because so many in this area have been touched by Parkinson’s. And, unfortunately, with a high percentage being older than 50, the number is sure to grow. The support we receive from the community provides them means to continue to address service gaps and ultimately find a cure.”
General donations to Parkinson Canada are accepted year-round, but donations to the local SuperWalk must be made before September 30. To donate, visit donate.parkinson.ca/lanark or call 1-800-565- 3000 ext. 3427.
