CORNWALL, Ontario – Over 100 participants gathered at the Cornwall Civic Complex this morning in anticipation of the city’s seventh annual Parkinson SuperWalk.
Walkers set out at 11 a.m. and could choose between a 3.5 km route or 5 km route. All walkers who raised over $50 received a free shirt.
“There’s lots of people here, everyone seems to be enjoying the day so far and we have beautiful weather for the walk,” said Ginette Trottier, Community Development Coordination of Parkinson Canada for Eastern Ontario. “It has grown every year.”
Last year the walk raised over $9,000. This year, the goal is to reach $10,000. According to Trottier, funds raised go towards national research, and bringing education events to the area for community members and health care professionals. It will also fund a support group that meets in the area.
Trottier expected to see a crowd of about 125 to 150 attendees, and thinks that 20 to 30 of those involved have Parkinson’s disease.
“One of the things that’s difficult for the people who have Parkinson’s is they tend to be isolated,” explained Trottier. “When they come out, they get to meet other people and other families who are coping. It’s nice for them to know they’re not alone and a lot of people support them.”
Penny Eccles, of Team Eccles, said that after three weeks of fundraising, her team garnered over $6,000. Friends from Montreal and Toronto attended the walk today to support Penny and her husband Vernon who has Parkinson’s disease.
“We’re small but mighty!” said Penny, reflecting on her close-knit team of friends.
