Shirley Neufeld of Preeceville was joined by her daughter Deanna Mirva and granddaughter Savannah Mirva, both of Dalmeny, for the Parkinson鈥檚 SuperWalk in Saskatoon on September 12 and 13.
鈥淭he Parkinson鈥檚 SuperWalk was a very enjoyable experience,鈥� said Neufeld. 鈥淲e were impressed in how well the staff and volunteers worked together to organize such a main event.
鈥淎 lot of families came and supported each other, including our own. I certainly appreciated my daughter and grand-daughter walking with me. What was very impressive was the individuals who have Parkinson鈥檚 disease and completed the full walk, many using walkers and the support of their family members.
鈥淎fter talking to the staff, we know that Saskatchewan is playing a major part in the studies and treatment of Parkinson鈥檚 disease. The entire event was very positive and emotionally trying for everyone. The intertwining of families who have a common challenge of having someone with the disease was huge. The long-term friendships and support systems that were made will last forever,鈥� Neufeld said.
About 14,000 people came together from across Canada to walk in Parkinson鈥檚 SuperWalk across the country to raise money and hope for people living with Parkinson鈥檚 disease. In Canada, 10 people every day are diagnosed with Parkinson鈥檚 disease, a progressive neurological disease. Currently there is no cure but there is hope,鈥� said Todd MacPherson, executive director of the Parkinson鈥檚 Society in Saskatchewan.
鈥淭his year marks the 25th anniversary of this nationwide event,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ince 1990, SuperWalk has raised more than $31 million for research, support services, education and advocacy. This past weekend, Saskatchewan raised over $94,000 in three communities: Saskatoon, Regina and, for the first time ever, Herbert, where they raised over $6,000. Donations are still being accepted.鈥�
The 2016 SuperWalk will expand to more communities in the province, MacPherson said. For more information on SuperWalk or Parkinson鈥檚 please visit .
