Real Stories, Real Strengths
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Everyday, we hear from our clients that they wish people could understand their daily struggle and know that Parkinson’s is more than a tremor. Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder, meaning, it progresses and so does the intensity and severity of symptoms.
Tremors are just the surface issue. Depression, anxiety, restless legs, loss of independence through the loss of a license, ability to dress or bathe. The list of how Parkinson’s can affect someone is endless.
Parkinson’s not only impacts the person diagnosed, but their loved ones. Often, a carepartner is just as impacted as they invest in and work tirelessly to support their partner.
Below, are a few stories of how people living with Parkinson’s are impacted – and yet – prove they are more than their diagnosis. This April, choose to see the person behind the tremor – behind the diagnosis and choose to be part of the hope of bringing support and education into our communities.
Angela Roberts
“From the annual walks, to the education programs, to the vital support they provide for research, we simply can not exist as a community without Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.”
Ed Roach
“I didn’t want people to just see me as someone with Parkinson’s disease. I wanted them to know me as Ed the artist. When I paint, I can slow right down to virtually no shaking”
Mira Rocha
“You can’t put Parkinson’s behind you. It’s in your face all the time. You can choose what you want to do with it, and how you want to live with it. I chose family and happiness.”
Stephen Nantes
“Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario has alot of programs where you can meet other people who have Parkinson’s disease, share stories and get ideas.”
Charles McClure
“Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario has a wealth of information available for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.”
Anna & Chris Hendry
“We don’t have to do it all alone. We don’t have to do it perfectly. Please remember to use whatever resources that are available to you in the care of your loved one, as well as yourself.”
Joe & Joanne Huybers
“Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, you’re diagnosed with it, you make your adjustments and your life is still pretty complete.”
Bob McMillan
“I continue to participate in ‘Rock Steady Boxing,’ knowing it helps maintain my muscle strength throughout my body.”
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Discover Stories From Past April Awareness Highlights
More Than You Can See 2025:
Dan Parkinson
“I’m not going to give up. I know there’s a whole lot of other people out there who are in the same situation I am who are not giving up either. We can’t. It’s too important.”
Sophia Christopher
“There’s so much benefit to singing because it’s one of those interventions that’s joyful… and it really works the diaphragm, the respiratory system, and really works on breath support.”
Barbara Salsberg Mathews
“There are so many things you do have control over. The first thing is attitude. You can choose to stay curious, keep learning, and live fully – even with Parkinson’s.”
Bobby Gouin
“I just keep looking forward. The music really brings me up, you know? I try to make the best of the situation. I may not be who I was, but I’m still here – and I’m still me.”
More Than You Can See 2024:
Kelly Tiede
“I had always been a nervous person so I didn’t really realize that it was an issue. But little things started happening, my left leg would tap when I’d drive to work and I started getting tremors in my hand.”
Lloyd Longfield
“The Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario is also a great educational organization. Having conferences where experts come in and tell us about the latest research, what you can do for exercise, how nutrition effects your Parkinson’s, how caretakers can provide better care.”
Kerry Jarvi
“I think it’s a great way for me to be able to meet people in a new community, to help, and to listen, and to learn. It’s also an incredible group of people. They’re really, really fun.”
Dr. Kaylena Ehgoetz Martens
“It’s hard to know what information is out there, where to get it, and who to trust. This type of organization can put you in contact with the best and most up to date information that might be relevant for you. As well as just provide that support network to know that you are not alone.”
More Than You Can See 2023:
Tristan O’Malley
“I have been able to attend online support groups for young onset Parkinson’s. I feel like I learn something every time. I connect with people who are in a similar situation and I feel supported and valued.”
Elizabeth Welch
“We had 53 beautiful years together”
Monica Bos
“I used to go for 4-5km walks a day, now I can’t do that at all. Parkinson Society has lots of resources, it’s nice to have people who know what you’re going through.”
Harry Schut
” I know this disease will slow me down, but I am bound and determined that it won’t stop me.”
Robert + Chris’ Story
“I wanted to support my brother-in-law through this ongoing disease”