Raising Awareness – April is Parkinson Month

What you need to know

“People should know that scientists say of all the neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's is closest to a cure in our lifetime. I firmly believe this to be true. “Michael J. Fox, Stanford Medicine Magazine, 2004

That’s just one reason why April is such an important month in the Parkinson community. Throughout Canada and in many places around the world April is Parkinson’s awareness month. In fact, April 11 is a very special day within the Parkinson’s community – it is the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the symptoms of the disease in 1817.

We should all be concerned about Parkinson’s because it affects more of us than we think. Did you know that Parkinson’s affects 1 in every 300 people over age 25? Did you know that the incidence of Parkinson’s increases as we age to 1 in every 100 people over age 65? And to 1 in 50 over age 70? In Canada, there are more than 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s and that number is expected to increase dramatically over the next 10 years as our population ages. While most people with Parkinson’s are seniors, each year, there are a significant number of people diagnosed before 50 years of age, and 1 in 10 people with Parkinson’s is under 65.

Although the cause of Parkinson’s is not yet clear, scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are involved. At this time, there is no known prevention for Parkinson’s disease, and treatments help to manage symptoms, only. There is no cure, but by raising awareness we can help raise funds for those searching for a cure and for urgently needed support programs.

Parkinson Society Ottawa will raising awareness in our community by encouraging various mayors across our region to proclaim the month of April as Parkinson’s Awareness month – including Ottawa, Pembroke and Cornwall. April will also offer an opportunity for our organization to publicly thank our many board, support group, office, event, program and fund-raising volunteers whose support is vital to the important work that we do.

How you can help
You too can spread the word about Parkinson’s by planning your own event! It’s not as hard as you think…you just need a good idea and family and friends to help you pull it all together.

Parkinson Society Ottawa has been the beneficiary of many creative and fun events over its 30-year history. One upcoming event is a “funspiel” curling bonspiel on April 12. Some other event ideas include (but not limited to):

• Bake sales
• Barbecue/picnics
• Biking or running events
• Birthday/wedding/anniversary celebrations (instead of traditional gifts, guests are asked to instead make a donation)
• Car wash
• Garage sales
• Golf tournaments
• Karaoke parties
• Movie Night
• Porridge for Parkinson’s
• Scavenger hunts
• Talent show
• Tea parties
• Used CD/book sale

These are just a short list of event ideas. Use your imagination and create something unique! Organizing your own event is a fantastic way to channel those fundraising needs and build community spirit and awareness. And Parkinson Society Ottawa can help get you started, and provide materials too. Contact us today and find out how (613-722-9238 or amuir@ohri.ca)