When Todd Wallace noticed a few concerning symptoms in his left hand and arm in the spring of 2013, he visited his family doctor, who suspected Todd may have Parkinson’s disease (PD). This was confirmed by a neurologist several months later, which came as both a shock and relief at the same time.
Undeterred by his diagnosis, Todd continued to be very active in his community, the Salmo Valley, where he worked and volunteered for many organizations, including the Salmo Community Resource Society and the Salmo Lions Club. Additionally, he served as a Salmo Village councillor for three years in the 1990’s.
He was asked to run for the Village councillor position in Salmo’s 2022 municipal elections and won. However, Todd faced unexpected challenges due to his PD, leading him to resign after just one month. This period was challenging for him as he grappled with the realization that Parkinson’s had changed his limitations. Though he felt sadness and required time to come to terms with it, Todd ultimately found resilience in accepting the situation.
This shift opened doors to a new community: a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting those affected by Parkinson’s disease. He started attending PD exercise groups, as well as the Trail/Castlegar Parkinson’s Support Group. Todd also became heavily involved in Parkinson Society British Columbia’s (PSBC) events; over the years, he has attended several regional conferences and even went to Portland, Oregon for the 2016 World Parkinson Congress with PSBC’s assistance.
From the day he was diagnosed, Todd has tried to be a part of Parkinson SuperWalk, Parkinson Society BC’s flagship fundraising event, organizing the Salmo/Castlegar SuperWalk for several years. This year, his loved ones are supporting his fundraising efforts in unique ways – his aunt is donating a beautiful handmade quilt for a raffle, and a support group member is donating a stained-glass piece of art. “With the heartfelt support I have been given so far, I am excited for how successful our event is going to be,” Todd says.
Todd has also found a great community of supporters in his social and professional circle. His employer was very accommodating, and his friends and family have been equally caring. “It is neat how I will get phone calls and/or people stopping me on the street to tell me about something they read or saw on the news about new Parkinson’s disease treatments, or new exercises that will help me,” says Todd. “My passion now is to live as an active member of my community and show by example that your life isn’t over when diagnosed with PD.” One of his greatest supporters is his wife, Jackie, who is also his sole caregiver.
Todd says the hardest part about having Parkinson’s are the invisible non-motor symptoms, like apathy, depression, and sleep issues. He has also had to try different medications to find the correct type and dosage. Life in Salmo is paradise for Todd, though living in a rural community sometimes means he has to travel to Kelowna or Vancouver for specialist treatment. “I have learned to ask for help, which has been a game changer,” he says. “Most people are happy to assist someone in need, which brings tears to my eyes when I think of how much help I have received over the years.”
Todd and Jackie are very cognizant about the connection between PD and environmental pollutants, including pesticides. They try to eat locally and organically, for both their health and the impact on the environment. Todd also maintains other healthy habits, such as a daily exercise routine. Despite having to give up his avid passion for golf due to PD symptoms, he continues to enjoy activities like pickleball, yoga, bicycling, walking, and swimming. He has one piece of advice to all individuals newly diagnosed or living with Parkinson’s: “Keep moving, never give up!”