Leah Paukstaitis and Claire Dreidger have a lot in common. They’ve been friends for many years, are both first year college students, and enjoy an active lifestyle. In 2018, after years of enjoying each other’s company, they found new common ground. Leah’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s that year, while Claire’s father has been living … Read more
Blake Bell was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 49. He recalls that his neurologist took three minutes to examine him and delivered the words that rocked his world: “I’m sorry to say, you have Parkinson’s.” “After the shock of the diagnosis, I went into denial,” Blake says. “I hid from the disease, trying … Read more
Sadia Bacchus and her husband Manzil have been married for 43 years, meeting shortly after his migration from Guyana to Canada. On that 43-year journey, they have raised a growing family together and have celebrated many joys while overcoming challenges. Adjusting to Manzil’s 2008 diagnosis of Parkinson’s was one such challenge. This past fall, preparing … Read more
More than 20 years after the discovery of the parkin gene, linked to young onset Parkinson’s disease, researchers at the Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa may have figured out how the gene protects the brain. The study was led by the Schlossmacher team at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Dr. Michael Schlossmacher, neurologist, … Read more
Register for our June 28 webinar: Small Steps for BIG Impact We will highlight some inspirational journeys from the Parkinson community, who will share how they are taking small steps in their own lives to keep connected and stay well. We will also hear from Kelly Williams, Clinical Resource Nurse with the Movement Disorder Clinic … Read more