This year's local Superwalk fundraiser for Parkinson's Disease raised an impressive $9,000+ for the cause.
Held on Saturday, Sept. 7, in Salmo, organizer Todd Wallace praised the event as a great success, attributing it to the efforts and generosity of many.
"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our Salmo Parkinson Superwalk," Wallace said. "We raised over $9,000, thanks to the incredible pledges from our wonderful community and friends."
Wallace emphasized that this community support is crucial for the Parkinson Society of BC, enabling them to provide essential services for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers throughout the province.
The local Parkinson’s Support Group meets monthly on the third Tuesday at the Colander Restaurant in downtown Trail.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement.
It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, particularly in a region called the substantia nigra, die or become impaired.
These neurons are responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that plays a crucial role in sending signals between different areas of the brain to coordinate smooth and balanced muscle movements.
As dopamine levels decrease, people with Parkinson's disease experience symptoms that gradually worsen over time.
The four primary motor symptoms include:
(1) Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling, often starting in the hands or fingers.
(2) Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making simple tasks take longer.
(3) Muscle stiffness: Muscles can become stiff, reducing the range of motion.
(4) Postural instability: Difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to falls.
Other symptoms may include changes in speech, facial expressions, and handwriting, as well as non-motor symptoms like cognitive decline, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and constipation.
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There is no cure for Parkinson's, but treatments like medications (e.g., levodopa), physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Approximately 100,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson's disease.
Each year, about 6,600 new cases are diagnosed in Canada.
Parkinson's disease primarily affects people over the age of 60, although younger individuals can also be diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's.
As Canada's population ages, the number of people affected by the disease is expected to increase.
These statistics highlight the growing impact of Parkinson's disease on individuals, families, and healthcare systems across the country.
Todd's journey
Todd Wallace, a dedicated and active resident of the Salmo Valley, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2013.
His journey with Parkinson’s has been supported by his wife Jackie and a network of caring friends and family.
Despite challenges along the way, Todd maintains a positive outlook.
His story underscores the importance of community support, resilience, and a proactive approach to living well with Parkinson’s disease.
When Todd Wallace noticed a few concerning symptoms in his left hand and arm in the spring of 2013, he visited his family doctor, who suspected Todd may have Parkinson’s disease (PD).
This was confirmed by a neurologist several months later, which came as both a shock and relief at the same time.
Undeterred by his diagnosis, Todd continued to be very active in his community, the Salmo valley, where he worked and volunteered for many organizations, including the Salmo Community Resource Society and the Salmo Lions Club. Additionally, he served as a Salmo village councillor for three years in the 1990’s.
He was asked to run for the village councillor position in Salmo’s 2022 municipal elections and won.
Read more: West Kootenay man reflects on 10 years living with Parkinson’s disease
However, Todd faced unexpected challenges due to his PD, leading him to resign after just one month. This period was challenging for him as he grappled with the realization that Parkinson’s had changed his limitations.
Though he felt sadness and required time to come to terms with it, Todd ultimately found resilience in accepting the situation.
This shift opened doors to a new community: a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
He started attending PD exercise groups, as well as the Trail/Castlegar Parkinson’s Support Group.
Todd also became heavily involved in Parkinson Society British Columbia’s (PSBC) events; over the years, he has attended several regional conferences and even went to Portland, Oregon for the 2016 World Parkinson Congress with PSBC’s assistance.
From the day he was diagnosed, Todd has tried to be a part of Parkinson SuperWalk, Parkinson Society BC’s flagship fundraising event, organizing the Salmo/Castlegar SuperWalk for several years.
This year, his loved ones are supporting his fundraising efforts in unique ways – his aunt is donating a beautiful handmade quilt for a raffle, and a support group member is donating a stained-glass piece of art.
“With the heartfelt support I have been given so far, I am excited for how successful our event is going to be,” Todd says.
Todd has also found a great community of supporters in his social and professional circle.
His employer was very accommodating, and his friends and family have been equally caring.
“It is neat how I will get phone calls and/or people stopping me on the street to tell me about something they read or saw on the news about new Parkinson’s disease treatments, or new exercises that will help me,” says Todd. “My passion now is to live as an active member of my community and show by example that your life isn’t over when diagnosed with PD.”
One of his greatest supporters is his wife, Jackie, who is also his sole caregiver.
Todd says the hardest part about having Parkinson’s are the invisible non-motor symptoms, like apathy, depression, and sleep issues.
He has also had to try different medications to find the correct type and dosage.
Life in Salmo is paradise for Todd, though living in a rural community sometimes means he has to travel to Kelowna or Vancouver for specialist treatment. “I have learned to ask for help, which has been a game changer,” he says. “Most people are happy to assist someone in need, which brings tears to my eyes when I think of how much help I have received over the years.”
Todd and Jackie are very cognizant about the connection between PD and environmental pollutants, including pesticides.
They try to eat locally and organically, for both their health and the impact on the environment.
Todd also maintains other healthy habits, such as a daily exercise routine.
Despite having to give up his avid passion for golf due to PD symptoms, he continues to enjoy activities like pickleball, yoga, bicycling, walking, and swimming.
He has one piece of advice to all individuals newly diagnosed or living with Parkinson’s: “Keep moving, never give up!”
