Amanda Single’s journey with Parkinson’s disease began in 2013 when she noticed a problem with her right hand—the hand she used to operate a computer mouse. At first, she thought it might be carpal tunnel syndrome and even retrained herself to use the mouse with her left hand. When the issue didn’t improve, her chiropractor recommended a nerve conduction test to check for pinched nerves. That led her to a neurologist, and after a quick walk down a hallway, he gave her the news: she had Parkinson’s. 

At the time, Amanda wasn’t expecting a diagnosis that day. She had gone to the appointment alone, assuming it was just a test with results to follow. Instead, she found herself delivering the life-changing news to her husband over the phone while trying to navigate her way to his workplace—without GPS. 

“I knew what it was. I knew there was no cure,” she says. “People always say, ‘If you get bad news, ask yourself if it will still matter in five years.’ And I knew this was going to matter in five years. It was big.” She held it together—until she heard her husband’s voice. That’s when reality hit. 

Her family took the news in stride, with her father instilling a forward-thinking mindset: “Okay, what do we do from here?” No dwelling on the past—just finding ways to move forward. That mentality has shaped Amanda’s approach to life with Parkinson’s. 

Now, more than a decade since her diagnosis, Amanda continues to live a full and active life, thanks to the unwavering support of her family—especially her husband, Darren. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without him,” she says. As the cook of the family, he has taken a deep interest in nutrition and healthy eating, modifying recipes to eliminate preservatives and processed foods. Together, they’ve explored alternative treatments beyond traditional medication, including chiropractic care, Bowen therapy, naturopathy, and supplements. “You have to be your own advocate,” she says. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We had to research and try different things to find what worked for me.” 

Her brother, who lives in Winnipeg, has also been incredibly supportive. A longtime Parkinson SuperWalk participant, he has even helped coordinate the event in his city. When she was first diagnosed, he reassured her that Parkinson’s wouldn’t stop her from doing what she loved. “He told me, ‘I’ve seen people in wheelchairs travel the world. You’ll still be able to do what you want to do.’” That belief has kept Amanda motivated to keep exploring. 

One of the biggest changes Parkinson’s brought to Amanda’s life was a shift in priorities. Career had always been important to her—she started out as a travel agent, later transitioned into IT, and spent 20 years managing technology for multiple locations. But after her diagnosis, she realized that climbing the corporate ladder wasn’t as important as focusing on her family and living in the present. 

“I actually learned that lesson early on when my brother passed away in an accident,” she reflects. “Life can change in a split second. Parkinson’s just reinforced that.” 

Managing Parkinson’s requires constant adaptation, and Amanda has learned to stay flexible. “The biggest challenge is keeping my head in the present—not projecting into the future.” Instead of worrying about what’s to come, she focuses on what she can do today to stay healthy. 

For her, that means staying active—whether it’s walking, climbing stairs, doing yoga, or attending a Parkinson’s-specific exercise class. “Exercise, exercise, exercise,” she emphasizes. “Even if it’s just a little—walking, stretching—it all helps.” 

Beyond movement, she credits healthy eating and hydration as key components of her wellness routine. While it can be challenging to cook from scratch, Darren helps by batch-cooking soups and stews to freeze for quick meals. 

Despite her proactive approach, Amanda has encountered misconceptions about Parkinson’s. “People assume you can’t do anything, that you need help with everything,” she says. “But that’s never been me.” She recalls a time back in Winnipeg when a pipe in her apartment started rattling. “I didn’t need someone else to fix it—I bought a wrench and tried to do it myself. Ended up flooding the apartment, but hey, at least I tried,” she laughs. 

She encourages others to stay engaged in life. “I’ve climbed through tombs in Egypt, crawled through tiny spaces, and I’m still doing things I love. It’s been 12 years, and I’m still here, still moving.” 

Amanda is also grateful for advances in Parkinson’s research, which have led to new treatments that have helped her manage symptoms. While levodopa wasn’t effective for her, newer medications and therapies have made a significant difference. “I’ve been able to find treatments that work better for me, and I’m so thankful for the research that has made that possible.” 

For those newly diagnosed, her biggest piece of advice is to seek out different resources. “There’s no single solution, so you have to be willing to explore what works for you.” She also urges people to connect with the Parkinson’s community, even if it takes time to find the right fit. “There are so many different therapies—physiotherapy, acupuncture, naturopathy—not everything will work for everyone, but there’s something out there for you.” 

While tremors are the most widely recognized symptom of Parkinson’s, Amanda notes that many people don’t realize how it affects facial expressions. “People with Parkinson’s don’t blink as often,” she explains. “So when I take pictures, my eyes are wide open, and I end up looking like a deer caught in headlights.” 

If there’s one thing she hopes people take away from her story, it’s that Parkinson’s can happen to anyone. “I was perfectly healthy. I had no other conditions, no other health issues. I was healthy as a horse. And I still am—except for Parkinson’s.” 

Her message is clear: Parkinson’s doesn’t mean life is over. It just means adapting, staying informed, and continuing to live fully.

Angela Hutchinson’s journey with Parkinson’s disease has been one of resilience, transformation, and hope. Diagnosed in 2008, Angela faced years of increasingly severe symptoms that affected every aspect of her life. By the time she was referred for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2019, her movement disorder specialist told her there was nothing more he could do for her in terms of medication. It wasn’t until late 2022 that she found herself almost homebound, struggling with debilitating bladder issues that made it nearly impossible to go out. “I was totally hesitant about the surgery,” she admits. “But I was so sick by the time I got to it that I didn’t really have a choice. That’s what pushed me forward—hope that it would work.” 

The journey to DBS was long. From her initial referral in December 2019 to her consultation with Dr. Honey in October 2023, it would take four and a half years before she finally underwent surgery in June 2024. Leading up to the procedure, fear lingered. “I feel really silly now saying that, because there was no reason to be scared,” she reflects. “But at the time, I was terrified. I mean, someone is going into your brain—things could go wrong. But the risks were really small, and I knew if I wanted to be better, this was the step I had to take.” 

Despite her initial fears, Angela describes the actual DBS surgery and recovery as remarkably smooth and straightforward. “The surgery itself was fine—really great, actually,” she says. “Dr. Honey made everything so simple and easy. I had a little issue coming out of the anesthetic, but otherwise, recovery was quick and really simple.” The difference in her life before and after DBS has been nothing short of life-changing. 

“I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. I can eat when I want, whatever I want,” she says with a smile. “I’ve even put on weight—before, people felt they had to be careful hugging me because I looked so frail. Now, they don’t have to worry about breaking me!” One of the most noticeable improvements has been the reduction in medication. “I used to take 23 pills a day. Now, I take only three.” That reduction has helped ease frustrating side effects like dry mouth, which once made it difficult for her to speak. 

Throughout her Parkinson’s journey, Angela has been surrounded by love and support from family and friends who have never hesitated to accommodate her needs. “If they invited me to dinner, they’d ask, ‘What time do you want to eat?’” she says. “They adjusted their schedules for me, and they never made me feel like a burden—even when I had to cancel plans over and over again.” Her deep faith has also played a huge role in helping her stay positive. She finds comfort in the word HOPE, which she now sees as an acronym: Help, Optimism, Physician, and Exercise (from a book called HOPE by Hal Newsom)—four things that have kept her moving forward. 

Looking back, Angela wishes she had been more open to seeking support in the early years after her diagnosis. “When I was diagnosed, I absolutely refused to go to a support group,” she admits. “But now, I tell people—please go. You get so much positive help and feedback from others who understand exactly what you’re going through. They know things that you might not have learned yet, and it can make a huge difference.” 

Beyond seeking support, Angela also wants people to understand that Parkinson’s is so much more than just a tremor. “For me, the worst symptom was actually my bladder issues—I had no idea that was even a possibility. I wasn’t prepared for it.”  

Unlike some, she has been fortunate not to experience much stigma. In fact, she’s often been met with kindness and support. The only moment that stands out is when a medical professional misinterpreted her tremor. “I went for an ultrasound, and the technician thought I was nervous. He tried to reassure me, saying he wouldn’t hurt me. I had to tell him, ‘I’m not nervous—it’s Parkinson’s.’” 

When asked what she hopes people take away from her story, Angela doesn’t hesitate. “I want people to know that there is hope.” She reflects on how much she has changed since her symptoms were at their worst and hopes others facing similar struggles can see what is possible. “If you had seen me before DBS and where I am now, you’d know that you just have to keep going. Things can get better. You have to hold on to hope.”

Parkinson’s is an insidious disease, with many of its early symptoms easily dismissed as unrelated ailments—such as depression, sleep disturbances, or nutritional deficiencies. One of the earliest signs for Arne Johansen was losing his sense of smell, something he never would have connected to Parkinson’s disease (PD) at the time. Today, it is understood that non-motor symptoms often appear long before the motor symptoms of PD, which makes him believe he has likely had Parkinson’s since his mid-20s. If gut issues, like chronic constipation, are also considered an early indicator, then his journey with PD may have started as far back as high school. 

For a long time, Arne kept his Parkinson’s diagnosis to himself. His wife knew early on, but he wasn’t ready to share it with those outside his close family. The people he golfed or exercised with may have suspected something, but they never asked, and if they had, he likely would have shut them down quite quickly. Now retired, PD hasn’t affected his professional life, but it has shaped how he engages with his community.  

Despite the challenges, Arne considers himself fortunate—he hasn’t encountered much stigma or misunderstanding. If anything, people have been more supportive than he expected. That kindness, along with his own drive to give back, led him to get involved with Parkinson’s research studies and support groups. He knows there may never be a cure in his lifetime, but he believes that whatever he does now can help those who come after him. Even if a cure isn’t found, progress in treatment could slow the disease’s progression for future generations.   

Arne also facilitates the North Shore Parkinson’s Support Group, where he connects with others at different stages of the disease. Parkinson Society BC helped him and his wife early on, and he wanted to give back. It has been incredible for him to meet people of all ages with different symptoms and learn from their experiences. For him, it’s not just about sharing advice—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. For anyone newly diagnosed, he encourages reaching out. There is a place for everyone, whether in-person or online, including groups for caregivers, young-onset Parkinson’s, and those who’ve had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).   

Movement has played a key role in managing his symptoms. Arne has embraced activities like Rock Steady Boxing, cycling, and, surprisingly, improv. Each one has helped in its own way, both physically and mentally. Improv, in particular, has been a game-changer. It has forced him to open doors he had long kept shut, to embrace vulnerability, and to find humor in the unpredictability of life. Now that he is part of an improv troupe, the sense of camaraderie and connection has deepened even more. The humor, the creativity—it has been incredible. He feels truly lucky.   

At the end of the day, Arne chooses to focus on what he can do rather than what he has lost. He can still ski, even if he no longer takes on black diamonds. He can still ride a bike. He can still travel. He can still laugh.   

Parkinson’s is now an inseparable part of his life, but it doesn’t define him. And it certainly doesn’t stop him.   

When people ask what he wants them to take away from his story, his answer is simple: “I have Parkinson’s. But Parkinson’s does not have me.” 

At 80 years old, Heng Goh remains as active and determined as ever. A former tennis enthusiast who once played daily—sometimes even twice a day—he continues to embrace movement as a key part of his life with Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed in 2016, the news didn’t come as a surprise to him. What did surprise him, however, was the simplicity of the diagnosis process: a brief walk down a corridor was all it took for the specialist to confirm what he had already suspected. 

Despite the challenges that come with Parkinson’s, Heng refuses to let the disease define him. “I’ve always been a positive person, a jovial kind of guy,” he shares. “And I am extremely competitive. Once I make up my mind to do something, you can consider it done.” This mindset has fueled his approach to Parkinson’s—facing it head-on, finding ways to adapt, and making exercise his “new best friend.” 

For Heng, exercise is not just about physical health—it’s about preventing disease progression and maintaining quality of life. “I can exercise till the cows come home and still keep going,” he says with a smile. He’s passionate about encouraging others, whether they have Parkinson’s or not, to stay active. “Whether you are healthy or unhealthy, exercise is good. Very good.” 

Beyond exercise, Heng finds strength in the support of his family. His wife and four grandchildren—including a set of twins—bring him joy and encouragement. He jokes about one small but amusing perk of having Parkinson’s: “Whenever we go out as a family, I get to sit in the front seat now—that’s awfully nice.” 

When asked what advice he would give to others facing Parkinson’s, his answer is simple but powerful: “Find a new friend. And by that, I mean exercise.”

At just 23 years old, Jayde Marno was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—a reality far removed from the common perception that the condition only affects older adults. Looking back, she realizes that many of her symptoms had been present for years, but she never connected them to Parkinson’s. The most noticeable were a tremor in her arm and difficulty walking due to stiffness and rigidity, but after her diagnosis, she recognized speech difficulties and trouble with writing as part of the picture too. 

Receiving the diagnosis was both shocking and clarifying. “In a way, it helped me understand a lot of what was going on in my life,” she explains. “But being diagnosed so young was challenging. I was relieved to finally know what was wrong, but at the same time, it was overwhelming.” 

As a university student, Parkinson’s had a major impact on her education. Before her diagnosis, she struggled with micrographia, a condition that caused her handwriting to become so small and illegible that teachers would fail her assignments and tests simply because they couldn’t read them. “I physically couldn’t write fast enough to finish a test,” she recalls. Fortunately, after her diagnosis, she was able to access accessibility services, including speech-to-text technology and scribes for exams, allowing her to continue her studies with the support she needed. 

Despite these accommodations, navigating university with Parkinson’s hasn’t been easy. Most people in her university community don’t know she has the disease, and even when seeking accommodations, staff didn’t always know how to help because they weren’t used to working with students with Parkinson’s, but Jayde has learned to advocate for herself and ensure she gets the resources she needs to succeed. 

Advocacy has always been important to Jayde, but her diagnosis deepened her commitment to social justice. Before, she was torn between a career in criminal justice or nonprofit work, but after learning to navigate life with Parkinson’s, she became passionate about disability advocacy. “My diagnosis opened my eyes to a whole different area of advocacy that I didn’t really see before,” she says. “It made me realize I want to focus on working within nonprofits and making a difference in that space.” 

One of the biggest misconceptions about Parkinson’s is that it only affects older people, and Jayde hopes that simply sharing her story will help raise awareness about Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD). “People don’t expect someone my age to have Parkinson’s,” she says. “I think it’s important to show that it can happen to young people too.” 

While Jayde is still finding her place in the Parkinson’s community, she has recently started attending a Parkinson’s exercise group. “It was nerve-wracking at first because I was the youngest person there by far,” she admits. “But once I got over that initial hump, it became a really positive experience. Everyone was super nice, and it’s been a great way to connect.” 

Managing her physical and mental wellbeing is an ongoing process, but she’s found an approach that works for her. “I try to go for a 45-minute to an hour-long walk every day, but I also remind myself that on bad days, even just 10 minutes is better than nothing. It’s about doing what I can.” Mentally, she works hard to stay present. “I try to find a balance between planning for the future without worrying too much about it. I focus on what I can do right now.” 

Her family has been incredibly supportive, though her diagnosis came as a shock. “No one really knew how to react at first, but they’ve been amazing,” she says. Her mom takes time off work to attend all of her appointments and even traveled with her to a recent conference in November to learn more about the disease. 

Since starting treatment, Jayde has been able to reclaim parts of her life that she had lost before her diagnosis. “I can do things I love again,” she says. “Cooking, baking, even doing puzzles—before, my tremors were so bad that I couldn’t hold things properly or pick up puzzle pieces. Now, with medication and treatment, I can do those things again.” 

Looking back, she wishes she had known just how many different symptoms Parkinson’s can cause. “There were so many things my family doctor couldn’t figure out, but once I was diagnosed, it all made sense. I wish I had known earlier that Parkinson’s isn’t just about tremors—it affects speech, writing, and so many other things.” 

She also encourages other young people with Parkinson’s to connect with the community—even if it feels intimidating at first. “At first, I was really hesitant because of the age difference, but it’s so helpful to have those connections. It’s worth reaching out.” 

Despite facing stigma and misconceptions, particularly about her age, she remains focused on changing the conversation. “People always ask, ‘Are they sure you have Parkinson’s?’ or ‘Did they test for this or that?’” she shares. “Even when I go to the dentist and list my medications, I get a lot of skepticism. But Parkinson’s doesn’t only affect older adults, and I hope sharing my story helps people understand that.” 

When asked what she hopes people take away from her journey, Jayde’s answer is simple: compassion. “The biggest thing I’ve learned, and what I hope others take away, is to have more compassion,” she says. “You never know what someone else is going through. We all make snap judgments when we see people on the street or even people we don’t know that well. But you never know what’s happening in someone else’s life. Just have some compassion.” 

When Jorge Villalobos arrived in Canada in May 2024, he wasn’t just starting a new chapter for himself—he was reuniting with family. His daughter, Margarita, had moved to Canada earlier, and now he is embracing this new life alongside her, adapting to both the challenges of Parkinson’s and the opportunities that come with a fresh start. 

Back in Colombia, Jorge was an active member of the local Parkinson’s association, finding both support and purpose in connecting with others who shared his experiences. Now in Canada, he is continuing to build a sense of community while working hard to learn English and stay engaged in daily life. 

Before his diagnosis, Jorge lived an active, athletic life—cycling, lifting weights, and playing sports. But when Parkinson’s entered his life, so did uncertainty. “It’s not easy to receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis,” he shares. “I kept asking myself—what will become of me? Will this be too difficult for my family and friends?” The challenges were not just physical, but emotional and spiritual as well. 

Despite these struggles, Jorge has found a way to move forward with hope. With the support of his family, friends, and community, he has adapted to the changes in his life while continuing to push past obstacles. “At the beginning, I had many questions,” he says. “But over time, I have learned more about Parkinson’s, and now I have no doubts. Although Parkinson’s is a challenge, I see it as an opportunity—an opportunity to rise above the struggles and find new ways to keep going.” 

Margarita has played an important role in ensuring that both of her parents remain active members of the community. “We don’t want to limit him,” she explains. “He used to love cycling and lifting weights, so even though he can’t do these things alone anymore, we encourage him to go to the gym, participate in guided exercises, and stay as active as possible.” 

Jorge also attends the Brain Wellness Program at the University of British Columbia, where he takes part in specialized exercises tailored to support his mobility and overall wellbeing. He has also joined senior day programs, helping him connect with more people his age while staying socially engaged. 

One of Jorge’s greatest personal achievements is his core strength—he can still perform up to 1,000 abdominal exercises a day. Despite now using a walker for stability, he sees it as just another tool in his journey, helping him stay safe while maintaining his independence. 

Jorge understands firsthand that Parkinson’s presents many challenges, not just for the person diagnosed but also for their caregivers. “It hasn’t been easy for my family,” he acknowledges. “They see my health changing, and that can be difficult. But we face it together, always looking for new ways to adapt.” 

Above all, he holds onto faith and hope—both for himself and for others living with Parkinson’s. “I want to encourage people with Parkinson’s to look forward to a better future,” he says. “Exercise and staying engaged in life can truly improve our quality of life. Yes, there are struggles, but we can stand up, face them, and still find joy in the things we love.” 

Whether it’s singing, painting, or running, Jorge believes that Parkinson’s does not mean giving up—it just means doing things a little differently, at a different pace. “Maybe we take longer,” he says, “but we can still do it.” 

Like many others with Parkinson’s, Jorge has faced stigma in his community. However, he chooses to focus on his own path rather than the judgment of others. “I try to ignore it and continue with my life,” he says. “The most important thing is my own journey and how I decide to navigate it.” 

Reflecting on the early signs of Parkinson’s, Jorge recalls noticing that he wasn’t walking properly before his diagnosis. He believes that education is key—not just for those with Parkinson’s but for their families, caregivers, and support networks. “It’s important to learn about the variety of symptoms and what to expect,” he says. “The more we understand, the better we can prepare and adapt.” 

Through it all, Jorge remains committed to living with purpose, staying active, and inspiring others to do the same—no matter where life takes him. 

For Paul Evered, life has been a journey of transformation, resilience, and service to others. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Paul’s career and personal life have taken him across the world, from serving as a clergyman to leading major fundraising initiatives for various causes. In 2011, he made the move to British Columbia, where he met his partner, Ben. Their relationship, now spanning over a decade, has been a source of unwavering support throughout his journey with Parkinson’s disease. 

Paul’s career took a significant shift when he transitioned into fundraising, securing major gifts for organizations across Western Canada. His last role was with Operation Smile, where he helped raise multi-million-dollar donations before deciding to retire and focus on other things that also bring him fulfillment. But retirement hasn’t meant slowing down—far from it. Today, Paul dedicates his time to guiding men through grief as a facilitator and supporting individuals living with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s. Whether offering companionship to those in need or providing relief to caregivers, he finds deep meaning in helping others navigate life’s challenges. 

Paul was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in May 2015. He vividly remembers the moment his neurologist delivered the news—an emotional exchange that left a lasting impact. While the diagnosis was difficult, Paul chose to face it with the same determination that has guided him through other major life changes. “He handed me the diagnosis, and I handed it right back,” he recalls. “I told him, ‘Let’s work together and make something better out of this.’” 

His approach to managing Parkinson’s is rooted in four key principles: 

1. Food – Eating well and maintaining a healthy diet. 
2. Family and community – Surrounding himself with positive, uplifting people. 
3. Fitness – Staying active with regular, intentional exercise. 
4. Faith – Maintaining a strong belief that each day is worth living fully. 

These pillars have not only helped Paul slow the progression of his symptoms, but they have also made him an “enigma” to his neurologist, who has marveled at how slowly the disease has advanced. “Your outlook determines your outcome,” Paul says. “Attitude is everything.” 

Support from his family and friends has been vital. His daughter, though living in Ottawa, remains fiercely protective and supportive. She once told Paul’s partner, Ben, “If my dad ever gets discouraged, you call me. I’ll be on the next flight to give him a swift kick in the butt.” That kind of humor and encouragement keeps Paul going. 

His advice to those newly diagnosed? Seek support early. “When I was diagnosed, I wish I had known more about the resources available. Connecting with Parkinson Society BC was life-changing.” He also suggests to not let Parkinson’s define you. “This disease isn’t who you are. It’s something you have, but it doesn’t have to take over your identity.” Paul also recommends those with Parkinson’s find a great pharmacist. “You may only see your neurologist a couple of times a year, but your pharmacist can be a great ally in managing medications and side effects.” 

While many associate Parkinson’s with tremors, Paul highlights unexpected challenges like balance issues, falls, and side effects from medication, which he shares with humor. “My neurologist asked about side effects, and I said, ‘Doc, I’ve never had the urge to go to a casino, but my partner might tell you he’s getting a little tired, if you know what I mean.’” 

Being active is a non-negotiable part of Paul’s life. Whether it’s swimming at the local community center, walking with his dog, or staying motivated by his grandkids, movement is medicine. He encourages others to explore exercise that feels good—for him, being in the water is a game-changer because it reduces the strain of movement while still offering a solid workout. 

Above all, Paul urges others not to hesitate when seeking help. “We all need support sometimes. Whether it’s a phone call to Parkinson Society BC, an email, or just checking out their website, you won’t regret reaching out. The resources are invaluable—not just for people with Parkinson’s, but for caregivers, too.” 

Paul’s message is clear: Parkinson’s may be a part of his life, but it doesn’t define him. He chooses to live with purpose, to support others, and to continue embracing each day with humor, love, and a resilient spirit. 

For Richard Mayede, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery was nothing short of life-changing. Before the procedure, Parkinson’s made it increasingly difficult for him to work and pursue his creative projects. Now, he’s back to doing what he loves. “I can shoot my own projects again. I could have done it before, but with great difficulty. Now, I feel like I have more control,” he says. 

The road to DBS, however, was long. It took four and a half years from the time he saw his neurologist to the day of the surgery. Simply getting on the waitlist took two years, followed by another two and a half years before the procedure finally happened. Leading up to it, there was fear—understandable for such an invasive surgery. “Of course, I was scared,” he admits. “But I thought, if I want anything to change with Parkinson’s, I have to do this.” Now, looking back, he has zero regrets. His advice to others considering DBS? “Do it. The chances of something going wrong are very low.” 

While Parkinson’s presented physical challenges, the mental and emotional aspects were just as significant. His Buddhist faith has been a guiding force, helping him understand his diagnosis and giving him a mission: to be a positive influence on others. “It’s helped me to see why I have this disease and how I can use my experience to support others—not just those with Parkinson’s, but anyone facing a challenge.” 

Richard was just 37 years old when he was diagnosed, so he never believed the misconception that Parkinson’s was an “old person’s disease.” However, he didn’t know much about it beyond what he had seen in the media. “I didn’t have any preconceived ideas, but I also didn’t know much.” 

In the early years after his diagnosis, he was hesitant to connect with the Parkinson’s community. “I was afraid to see what might happen to me,” he admits. “But I didn’t realize how individualized Parkinson’s is. We all share some symptoms, but how the disease progresses and how we cope is so different for everyone.” He now wishes he had reached out sooner—his connection to Parkinson Society BC came later, despite having participated in Parkinson SuperWalk since 2005. 

By 2016, Richard decided to take his involvement further by joining the Parkinson Society BC Board of Directors. His motivation was personal—he wanted to ensure greater diversity in representation. “At the time, the board was all white. I thought, ‘I should be the first person of color.’” His leadership and advocacy have since helped shape the organization, and he continues to be a voice for inclusion in the Parkinson’s community. 

One of the biggest things Richard wants people to understand is that Parkinson’s is more than just a movement disorder. “There’s a lot that people don’t see,” he explains. “Some people struggle with depression, isolation, and loneliness. Many people are afraid to tell their friends because they don’t want to be treated differently. There’s so much more to Parkinson’s than what’s visible on the surface.” 

Unfortunately, he has also faced stigma firsthand. Once, at a liquor store, his symptoms made him appear intoxicated, and a staff member refused to serve him. “They said, ‘You’re cut off,’” he recalls. When he explained that he had Parkinson’s, the employee had no response. Another time, at a grocery store, he struggled to move past someone in an aisle. “I told the woman I had Parkinson’s, and she just said, ‘No, you don’t—you’re too young.’” 

Despite these experiences, Richard remains focused on education and awareness. He hopes his story encourages people with Parkinson’s to reach out and get support. “I wish I had connected with Parkinson Society BC sooner,” he says. “I was hesitant, but I’ve learned that having a strong support network makes all the difference.” 

His final message is simple: Parkinson’s is different for everyone, but no one should have to navigate it alone.