April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April 2022 is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. We’re honouring the approximately 10,000 people in Southwestern Ontario with Parkinson’s disease (PD), letting them know that they are loved! For those fighting Parkinson’s disease, the overwhelming symptoms of PD can be a struggle.

We hope to remind them that they belong to a Parkinson’s community that cares and wants to help them with their struggles.

Using the hashtag #ILoveSomeonewithParkinsons, PD clients, their families, supporters, and anyone who has encountered PD through a family member, friend or acquaintance are encouraged to share their victories and stories along their journey. These stories will demonstrate resilience. There is such a need for those living with PD to know that they are not alone, that there are people around them who love them!

Every day, people with Parkinson’s join together in support and exercise groups, collaborate with medical professionals, as well as their families and friends to share their experiences in dealing with the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

“It is our hope that the general public will gain a stronger knowledge of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and gain a better understanding of how difficult it would be to walk in the footsteps of someone living with the disease for just one day.” said Shelley Rivard, CEO, Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world. It affects every organ and system in the body. It can change the trajectory of your life instantaneously upon diagnosis. While most of us know PD as a tremor, it is so much more. Other symptoms include rigidity, slow movement, postural instability, loss of balance control, soft speech, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, dementia, memory problems and difficulty with communication. For those living with PD, the daily tasks which we take for granted can become insurmountable.

For more information on how you can support someone living with Parkinson’s disease, or to find out about any of the programs and services offered through Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, please contact: Shelley Rivard CEO, Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario 1.888.851.7376 shelley.rivard@psso.ca