April is internationally recognized as Parkinson’s Awareness Month and, while it is coming to a close, awareness initiatives will continue year-round.
First of all, Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) would like to thank everyone who supported our awareness initiatives this year. This includes everyone who posted about #PDANDME on social media, shared their stories with the local news, and filled out “What I wish people knew about Parkinson’s disease” star cards. PSBC would like to extend a special thank you to the following groups and individuals:
- Richard, Wayne & Elaine for sharing their likenesses and experiences with Parkinson’s disease in support of the campaign.
- Larry Gifford, for drawing considerable media attention to Young Onset Parkinson’s disease.
- Global BC, for continued cross-platform media support.
- Lamar Advertising, which has generously supported transit advertising in a number of BC markets.
- The Province of British Columbia, City of New Westminster, City of Vancouver, City of Victoria and City of Port Alberni, for issuing official proclamations recognizing April as Parkinson’s awareness month. A very special thank you to Heidi and Robyn from Parkinson Wellness Centre as well as the Port Alberni support group for their integral role in receiving support from their local municipalities.
- BC Place, Canada Place, Vancouver City Hall, Vancouver Lookout, Telus Science World and Fitzsimmons Bridge in Whistler. All these landmarks helped shine a light on Parkinson’s Awareness Day, April 11th, 2018, by lighting up the landmark in Parkinson Society BC’s brand colours.
- Jolyon Hallows, who addressed the importance of Parkinson’s awareness every Monday over the month of April through his blog: www.aparkinsonslife.com.
- The Vancouver Canucks, including Brock Boeser, for inviting us to be a part of the Canucks Community Corner as the highlighted charity on March 27th.
For more details about Parkinson’s awareness, visit www.parkinson.bc.ca/pdandme.
PSBC hopes to continue to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease year-round. This is why, in August 2018, the Society will present an art exhibition featuring work by people with Parkinson’s disease at the Vancouver Public Library’s Georgia Street branch in “The Moat”. Parkinson Society BC will be accepting submissions for this exhibition until June 1st, 2018. To learn more, visit www.parkinson.bc.ca/art-exhibit.
The biggest event for Parkinson’s awareness and fundraising is Parkinson SuperWalk, which will begin to take place beginning the weekend of September 8th and 9th. Communities across Canada, including over 20 in British Columbia, will organize walks to help raise funds for critical programs, support services, advocacy efforts and contributions to research. This year, PSBC hopes to attract 2,500 walkers in BC and raise $475,000 province-wide. To learn more, register or donate, visit www.parkinson.bc.ca/superwalk.