The ability to walk, to reach and stretch, to move forward, is something that many of us take for granted.
It is all too easy to adopt that invincible feeling of “it can’t happen to me. I’m too young. I’m too healthy.”
No one ever plans to get hurt or sick, or be diagnosed with Parkinson disease. Suddenly, the ability to reach into a cupboard, to put on your coat, or go for a walk is something you cannot take for granted.
Few people truly understand what it means to have Parkinson disease, or that it is so much more than visible tremors. Anxiety and depression, apathy, cognitive issues and sleep disturbances all play a role in life with Parkinson disease.
The Parkinson Association of Alberta is keen to promote and celebrate the ability to move and live well with a chronic disease.
To help raise funds and awareness for supports and services for those with the disease, Albertans from across the province and beyond will gather this weekend for the association’s seventh annual Parkinson Step ‘n Stride.
In Red Deer, the event takes place Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre.
The money raised stays in the region to continue to provide no-cost support services and education vital to living well with Parkinson disease. A portion is earmarked for research.
This year’s provincial goal is $440,000, according to the agency’s website.
More details are available on parkinsonassociation.ca/stepnstride.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter