So many people with Parkinson\u2019s who cross our path are not deterred by the fact that there is no cure\u2014yet! They embrace the challenge in the same way that they embrace daily life with Parkinson\u2019s: they enquire, they discover and they take charge<\/em>. That\u2019s how a novel fundraising concept was launched in 2011, with the intent of two friends to cycle 100,000 pedal strokes\u2014one for every Canadian living with Parkinson\u2019s at that time.<\/p>\n Pedaling for Parkinson\u2019s <\/strong><\/a>began when founders and good friends, Peter Istvan and David Newall, committed to support Parkinson\u2019s research when David\u2019s dad was diagnosed. The inaugural event included 20 cyclists along with people with Parkinson\u2019s, their care partners, healthcare providers and volunteers. That first year, they raised $18,000.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The event flourished thanks to the support of the local community in Parry Sound, Ontario, with dedicated community members coming together annually in their shared connection to Parkinson\u2019s. The ride has always been a ride with a purpose. Fast forward to the final ride in 2018 and cue the applause. That July, with over 350 cyclists raised an impressive $700,000, bringing the lifetime total to $1.7 million. <\/strong><\/p>\n That passion funds and fuels a number of high-calibre research projects.<\/p>\n Jim Redmond, co-founder Little did the cyclists know that among the riders in Parry Sound was another passionate Parkinson\u2019s champion. The torch would be passed and the leader for the 2019 event, taking place in Prince Edward County in July emerged from the pack. Jim Redmond<\/strong><\/a> is a high school teacher and volleyball coach from Ottawa, Canada. Jim\u2019s reasons to cycle are very personal: \u201c<\/em>Riding gives me my freedom back. I was diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s three years ago when I was 44. Somebody showed me a video about a guy with Parkinson\u2019s and how he could barely walk but could still ride a bike. I immediately went out and bought a second-hand bike and gave it a go. It worked even better than I thought it would.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Jim and his wife Krista Simonett<\/strong> are launching their inaugural, volunteer-driven event in Prince Edward County, July 12\u201314, 2019. Register at www.pedalingforparkinsons.ca<\/a> to join the PEC ride, or to ride your own route as part of the movement. For more information about the ride\u2019s history, starting a ride in your community, or to make a donation in support of the event visit the website.<\/p>\n Research indicates that dance too is an effective, complementary therapy for those living with Parkinson\u2019s disease, according to Rachel Bar<\/strong>, researcher and Manager, Health and Research Initiatives, at Canada\u2019s National Ballet School <\/em><\/a>in Toronto. \u201c<\/em>More than 40 research studies have established its benefits,\u201d<\/em> she says. Bar is presenting her findings and a video on the benefits of dance, at the World Parkinson Congress<\/a>, taking place in Kyoto, Japan on June 4\u20137. Parkinson Canada has been a part of some of these studies and will be there in Kyoto to share these findings with others.<\/p>\n In January 2019, Parkinson Canada presented a webinar<\/a> on the benefits of dance hosted by David Leventhal<\/strong>, an internationally renowned, founding teacher and Program Director for Dance for PD\u00ae\u2014<\/em>a program that has been used as a model for classes in more than 300 communities in 25 countries. David is leading dance classes across Canada this year and Parkinson Canada and Hamilton City Ballet Dance for Parkinson\u2019s<\/a>, both members of the Dance for Parkinson\u2019s Network<\/a>, invite you to attend a session led by David, in Hamilton, Ontario on May 17, 2019. Registration<\/a> opens in April so visit our website often for important updates. <\/p>\n This event is cancelled and will be rescheduled.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Join us for the annual Parkinson Canada SuperWalk<\/a>, happening at different locations across Canada in September. And hear from this year\u2019s Super Hero, Pat Evans<\/a>, as she talks about her journey with Parkinson\u2019s\u2014and why she will never give up.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Caregivers and care partners are welcome at all events. Caregiving can be overwhelming at times. Factors like planning for appointments and tracking your communication with various professionals can be crucial, to ensure that you do not become \u201clost in The System.\u201d Parkinson Canada is launching two comprehensive tools this year to support you in your critical role\u2014ACT on Time<\/a>\u2014helping you and your loved one manage healthcare information; and Care Partnering<\/em>, a robust book offering inspiration, facts and toolkits. Look in future issues of eParkinsonPost<\/em> for release dates and how to request your copies.<\/p>\n We are here to help\u2014no matter what. <\/em><\/p>\n Call us at 1 800 565 3000 or email communications@parkinson.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Interested in reading more about the research<\/a> provided by Pedaling for Parkinson\u2019s<\/strong>?<\/p>\n <\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/parkinsonpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pedaling-Jim-Redmond-200w.jpg\")
Pedaling for Parkinson’s<\/span><\/p><\/div>\nEnjoy dance more than cycling?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/p>\n
Prefer to walk instead of cycle and dance?<\/h5>\n