We continue to implement our strategic objectives to inspire hope, extend our reach and strengthen our impact including:
- Launching a counselling service for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families, providing more in-depth support for issues such as adjusting to a new diagnosis, grief, loss, anxiety and depression.
- Increasing access to Parkinson’s specific exercise programs across BC by engaging Dr. Becky Farley to train another 45 physiotherapists and 44 fitness professionals in Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!).
- Meeting face-to-face with 20 of our 50 volunteer-led support groups throughout BC , providing support, current information and resources and connecting with all facilitators by phone and teleconference.
- Launching Step by Step, a volunteer-led walking program in communities across BC, that encourages people with Parkinson’s to maintain a regular exercise routine.
- Continuing to promote The Parkinson’s Movement to increase awareness of the benefits of exercise and to fundraise, including the development of a public service announcement.
- Introducing a series to address the needs of carepartners of people with Parkinson’s disease, providing one program, face-to-face, and a second, via webinar, to make this program more accessible to any carepartner in BC.
- Providing education events and Parkinson SuperWalk in Victoria at the request of Headway, the local Parkinson’s organization.
- Through our Regional Conferences, providing access to leading experts such as Dr. Martin McKeown from UBC’s Movement Disorder Clinic, to help people live well at every stage.
- Providing more Communication and Swallow Workshops across BC, with the wonderful support of speech language pathologist, Sherri Zelazny.
- Continuing to help fund the National Research Program coordinated through Parkinson Canada to fund 26 projects, including 11 research awards in their second year, and 15 new grant, fellowship and student awards across Canada.
Once again, we are grateful to have your support which has allowed us to act as a friend and guide to individuals and families faced with Parkinson’s-related challenges.