The parks and streets in 114 communities were filled with heroes of all ages and abilities when folks set out to raise $3 million in the 24th Parkinson SuperWalk. The top team will be announced after the final tallies come in, but as of today, Mississauga Warriors is in the lead with $26,041.75 raised, led by team captain Jim Wilkinson.
“This year, our Mississauga Support Group members joined together with other community groups for our most successful team effort in three years,” said Jim. “And, every team member went out and gathered donors and other walkers from among their friends and family for this important cause,” said Jim, who lives with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson SuperWalk in Saskatoon was a fun, family event with the serious purpose of raising awareness and funds for support, advocacy, education and research into Parkinson’s disease, just like the 113 other Parkinson SuperWalks held across the country on September 6 and 7, 2014. Photo credit: mjand.co.
Thanks to all the individuals who shared their inspirational stories and nominated their hero in the Everyday Heroes Facebook contest. Read about Daphne Norman Bowers from Pacquet, Newfoundland, whose winning entry received 497 votes.
Proceeds from Parkinson SuperWalk funds educational resources like information sheets about medication and booklets about living with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease. Proceeds also support services provided by Parkinson Society Canada and its regional partners to people living with Parkinson’s from the pacific coast to Atlantic Canada and many places in between.
The success of this single largest fundraiser also means that more money can be invested in the National Research Program that enables Canadian Parkinson’s scientists to learn more about the causes of Parkinson’s, develop better treatments and seek a cure for this brain disease. For Canadians like Tim Hague, Sr., aged 49, the importance of taking positive action is heightened.
Winner of the inaugural Amazing Race Canada, Tim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in February 2011 at the age of 46. As a nurse it became evident almost immediately of the need for enhanced Parkinson’s Wellness Programs and so he reached out to his local Parkinson Society in Winnipeg, Manitoba and has never looked back.
“I commit a considerable amount of time pursuing activities that will help people with Parkinson’s live better, like raising awareness and raising funds through Parkinson SuperWalk,” says Tim, Sr.
Visit www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca to see the roster of top fundraisers and top teams online. Kudos to more than 50,000 volunteers, walkers and donors for making a difference! Thanks to national sponsors Teva Canada Innovation, Naturegg Burnbrae and Roots Canada. Remember, you can continue to donate online until December 12, 2014.