CORNWALL, Ontario – Overcast skies and ominous clouds did not deter participants of the Parkinson SuperWalk on Saturday, Sept. 14 from showing their support at the RCAF Wing at 10 a.m.
“I think the morning has gone splendidly,” said Earle DePass, this year’s event organizer, who was asked to take over coordination efforts. “The wing has been very supportive of us and we want to express thanks to them.”
DePass also thanked the many volunteers who donated their time to help at the registration table, food and beverage table, counting donations, setting up tents in the case of rain and overseeing speeches. He also acknowledged the presence of politicians from Cornwall and Akwesasne, and continued media coverage.
This year’s fundraising goal for the walk was to reach $30,000. Supporters can still donate online at parkinson.ca. While walkers embarked on their brief journey this morning, DePass said that it looked like this year’s goal was going to be met as donations were being counted.
Prior to supporters embarking on their 1km or 2 km stroll, speeches were made by individuals with parkinson’s, NavFit led warm up activities and individuals spoke about tools that help them live with their disease, such as certain types of walking sticks. T-shirts and tulips, emblems for the disease, were also available for purchase.
“Parkinson’s affects people differently,” explained DePass. “The biggest thing is you see people have the shakes…they have problems walking, sometimes with speech…parkinson’s manifests itself in many different forms…if you’re dealing with someone with parkinson’s be patient, allow them to take their time and go as fast as they can.”
