Gearing Up for Parkinson SuperWalk 2016

Cornwall joins others throughout Canada as the community works to organize and take part in the 5th annual Parkinson SuperWalk set for Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Civic Complex and Lamoureux Park. There are over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinsons, a number that is expected to double by 2013. Parkinson's disease is a neuro-degenerative disease. Cells that normally produce dopamine die, therefore causing the onset of the disease. The most common symptoms of the disease include tremors, slowness and stiffness, impaired balance and the rigidity of the muscles. Parkinson's disease does not discriminate and can develop anytime. Aging is an important factor that puts people at a higher risk for developing the disease.

Brian Mulligan, local motorsport announcer and Parkinson SuperWalk organizer noticed that Cornwall and the surrounding region was often overlooked by Parkinson Canada based in Ottawa, therefore he took the initiative in contacting local and regional partners to help make the 5th annual SuperWalk bigger and better for 2016.

"I also noticed no attention was being paid at all to Akwesasne," said Brian Mulligan.

"It's good to get everyone working together on this," as the Cornwall chapter works to coordinate the upcoming walk.

Most recently, the organization announced Cornwall Community Police Chief Dan Parkinson as the 2016 Honorary Chair and Walk leader in a press event held at Au Vieux Duluth in Cornwall on Tuesday, July 5, 2016.

Also at the event Denis Joyal, owner of Straight Shooter Mini-putt located in Bonville, Ontario graciously gifted the organization with a monetary donation.

"My mother has Parkinson's so I thought I wanted to start something for my mom," said Denis Joyal.

At his Straight Shooter Mini-putt location he held a benefit BBQ. The BBQ raised $327 and he matched the funds, donating a total of $654 to Parkinson Canada. Denis Joyal plans to continue his fundraising efforts in years to come. Funds raised at events like the Parkinson SuperWalk enables Parkinson Canada to fund much needed programs and services in the local communities of Ontario. Services include Parkinson's Disease 101 information sessions, education services, workshops and conferences, advocacy efforts, support groups, individual support and counseling, as well as research and training for community caregivers.

More information about the Parkinson SuperWalk can be found at http://www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca. Interested participants can also contact Shauna Quinn at 613-722-9238 or [email protected] for more information.