This summer, the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk campaign has focused on “SuperWalk: The Movement” a series of monthly exercise activities focused on keeping Canadians, particularly those with Parkinson’s, moving and culminating in a national walk day on September 12.
Hundreds of Canadians with Parkinson’s and other event supporters have taken advantage of the monthly resources to stay active while supporting the walk.
Ralph Richardson of Riverview, NB was already moving when the campaign launched. Five years ago, Ralph was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, and then Parkinson’s Disease just a few years later. Living with Parkinson’s presents daily challenges for Ralph but through it all, he has never lost his determination. Already limited in his activities, when the coronavirus crisis began Ralph’s movement was restricted to home. Even though he couldn’t get out to his usual programs, he was determined to keep on moving – something so important for those dealing with a disease that, among other things, impacts one’s ability to move.
Out of this determination, his driveway walk was born. He set his mind to doing 30 laps and on that first day, he walked his first 8.5. By day 17 he had reached his goal. But he didn’t stop walking. Now Ralph is on a mission to walk 100 days for Parkinson’s, and in doing so, he’s raising money and awareness to support Canadians living with Parkinson’s today, and to help fund research into better treatments and eventually, a cure. He’s now raised more than $25,000.
Ralph’s walk has inspired many. His wife Berys reflects: “even though Parkinson’s robs Ralph of so much he has been determined to turn it into something good. Recently I asked him what he is grateful for and he said, ‘Parkinson’s!’ I questioned him on this answer and he said, ‘Look at all the good this walk is doing!’”
She adds, “He still is determined to keep walking, even though every step is an effort to keep going. He’s got more determination and tenacity than anybody I know.’
SuperWalk proudly celebrates this spirit of perseverance, determination and hope. The walk has used the words No Matter What as a rallying cry since 2019 in recognition of the strength of spirit of the Parkinson Community. This year, no one embodies that perseverance more than Ralph Richardson who was named the ‘National Hero’ for the event this year.
To learn more about Ralph’s story, including coverage of his story on CBC Radio – Information Morning, Sportsnet’s Tim and Sid, CTV Atlantic’s Live at Five, and CTV National’s Your Morning, and to register to walk alongside him visit his SuperWalk webpage.
Editor’s Note: Ralph’s Driveway Walk isn’t the only item making news this month. Parkinson Canada was grateful for a donation from a notable name received early in July as well. Every one of our 25,000+ donors to Parkinson Canada SuperWalk is special, but just one of them is a nine-time LPGA Tour winner (all by the age of 22). Parkinson Canada thanks Brooke Henderson for her support of the Lanark North Leeds walk in honour of her great uncle Bob Arnold, and for bringing the heart of a champion to our family of dedicated supporters.
View Brooke’s announcement post on Facebook
Watch Ralph’s Clip on CTV: Your Morning
