Identical twin brothers Jim and Pat Smerdon enjoyed a childhood rich with shared adventure, discovery, and the types of playful jokes one can only get away with as a twin. “We were known to have switched classes in school to play tricks on unsuspecting teachers,” Pat says. “When we weren’t in different classes (separated to keep the teachers sane), we were doing something together.”
Often dressed alike with the same haircut, Pat now reflects that there are many photos in which he cannot tell them apart. They shared the same hobbies, sports, and circles of friends, making their brotherly connection even stronger. “To say we spent a lot of time together would be an understatement,” he says.
The youngest of five siblings, their early years were spent in the Netherlands from age two until they were ten. Some of their favourite memories from this time include camping trips around Europe in their Volkswagen camper and visits to their grandparents in England. In their teens and 20s, the twins took up snowboarding and enjoyed many great trips to the mountains together.
When Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at the age of 33, it was a profound shock to the family, particularly Pat, who described it as a punch in the stomach that didn’t go away. Despite the challenges, the family maintains their optimism, holding onto hope for science and medical advancements.
The Parkinson’s diagnosis did not diminish the brothers’ bond. They continue to enjoy their shared interests – seeking out good pizza, enjoying great coffee, and finding humour in life’s little moments. Their laughter and inside jokes often leave others puzzled, unable to understand the deep connection that only twins could share.
Although their snowboarding trips have become a thing of the past (“our 50-year-old bodies thank us for not breaking any more bones,” Pat says), the essence of their relationship remains unchanged. Pat has learned that the true meaning of family does not come from specific activities, but from the act of being with each other and doing anything at all – as long as it is together.
Jim’s resilience, enthusiasm, and unwavering sense of humour continue to inspire those around him. Despite the hurdles posed by Parkinson’s, he is always the first to suggest new adventures, whether it’s a trip or a simple outing for brunch. “In spite of the obvious challenges, he’s not letting PD stop him from enjoying himself,” says Pat.
A significant highlight for the brothers is Full Throttle, an annual fundraising event in support of Parkinson Society BC (PSBC), spearheaded by Jim himself in 2017. Full Throttle combines his love for cars, motorbikes, dogs, friends, family, and food with a meaningful cause. Motorcyclists and car drivers alike gather in downtown Vancouver on a May morning and showcase their beloved vehicles and motorcycles at the Show & Shine portion of the event. Then the riders drive along the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish, where they come together for a celebratory meal. Pat reflects that it is a “fun way to help others and get people involved while doing things that we love to do, especially when the weather cooperates!”
Pat’s advice to other families facing similar challenges emphasizes the importance of closeness and adaptation. He says that while you may not be able to do the same things you have previously done, the most important part of family is being together and supporting each other. “Make more time for family dinners,” he says. “Find new ways of spending time together.”
To learn more about the Full Throttle event, please visit www.parkinson.bc.ca/fullthrottle