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A Note from Bailey
Dear friend,
This past year at Parkinson Wellness Projects has been one of steady growth. We’ve not only welcomed new participants, but also expanded the opportunities available to them, all while strengthening our connections within the community.
As I reflect on our progress, I am energized by the future—we have so much potential! I am determined to see every person living with Parkinson’s disease, along with their care partners, access our programs and take full advantage of our barrier-free resources, regardless of where they live or what stage they’re at in their Parkinson’s journey.
The strength of our community is truly inspiring. It is heartening to witness the way people come together in our exercise classes, in the living room, and through our fundraising initiatives. The connections made, the stories shared, the laughter, and even the occasional tears—this is the heart of what makes PWP so special. I encourage each of you to continue extending a warm welcome to new participants, especially those who may feel nervous or uncertain when they first join us. Your kindness and support are invaluable.
It truly takes a community to make a difference, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for your ongoing commitment. Whether big or small, every accomplishment this year illustrates the power we have when we work together.
I am deeply honoured to continue serving as your Executive Director, and I look forward to another year of growth, connection, and making a lasting impact on the Parkinson’s community.
With appreciation,
Bailey Martin
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Empowering Wellness: Your 2024 Impact
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Looking back at the past year, it’s incredible to see how your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease. You’ve helped PWP community members stay connected and motivated on their health journey by reducing barriers to wellness and empowering individuals and care partners alike.
Here’s a small snapshot of what your gifts made possible in 2024!
Other Standout Moments from 2024
Thanks to your support, we offered two satellite classes at McTavish Academy in Sidney and one at YMCA Westhills. Care partners were able to find support through two 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion series, while those newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s benefited from our 10th four-week educational series.
From monthly educational seminars with Jasmine Cload, webinars with Dr. Larry Leung’s pharmacy students at UBC, to fitness programs with NeuroFit—we’ve worked tirelessly to find collaborations that help empower participants.
On World Parkinson’s Day, PWP participated in the sit-to-stand challenge, collaborated with organizations across the country, and lit up local buildings in blue to raise awareness. We also celebrated some incredible fundraising milestones with your help. Our fall match campaign exceeded its goal, raising $172,500, and our Douglas Mile event brought 128 walkers together to raise over $41,000!
A big thank you to everyone in our community for making all of this possible!
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Kate La Vertu, participating in the Douglas Mile on Monday, May 20th, 2024.
Photo credit: Christopher James, a PWP participant!
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One Step at a Time
How PWP Helped Kate Walk the Douglas Mile
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Kate La Vertu, 75, has always called Vancouver Island home. After working in banking and the inner harbour, she began a career with several ministries in the BC provincial government, including Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Children and Families, and the Oil and Gas Commission. During this time, she lived and worked in Victoria, where she also raised her family.
When Kate was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, she struggled with mobility and often uses a walker. Seeking support, she joined PWP. What she found was more than symptom management—it was a lifeline.
“It gave me courage to keep going and not sit around moping,” says Kate.
In 2024, she decided to take on the Douglas Mile during Victoria’s 124th Victoria Day celebrations. At PWP, anyone who wanted to take part in the walk printed their name on a paper running shoe and posted it on the wall. “When I saw my name up there, I figured I’d better get off the floor and do it,” she recalls.
With six weeks of extra training from PWP staff and professionals at NeuroFit BC, Kate prepared for the big day. Navigating hills with a walker was daunting, but with her son-in-law by her side and encouragement from PWP staff, she completed the mile.
“Without PWP, I wouldn’t be doing the right exercises,” Kate shares. “I wouldn’t have been able to get off the floor or actually walk a mile. It’s made a world of difference for me.”
Every journey begins with a single step—provide Parkinson’s support by giving today!
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Bruce McCormack
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The Power of Community & Exercise
How PWP Inspired Bruce to Live for Today
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My name is Bruce, I’m 72 years old and I’d like to share a little about myself and my journey with Parkinson’s.
I spent 40 years teaching at the college and university level, including 22 years at Camosun College where I taught composition and literature. I loved my work—it took me all over the world, and I taught students from dozens of countries—I had found my calling.
In Japan, I also worked as a writer and editor. During my time there, I wrote a book called “Tokyo Notes & Anecdotes” about my experience as a Canadian living and working in Japan.
Along the way, I came to believe that I wouldn’t have children of my own, so I sponsored four children from age six months through to age 18 or 21, in India, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Thailand. When I returned to BC, I met my wife and became a step-father to three terrific teens, who are now much older. And today, we are doting grandparents to our grandson, Jack.
It was at a conference in 2019 when I first realized I couldn’t move my left hand normally. I stood up to perform a song and as I was singing, I could tell that something was clearly wrong.
Prior to that day, I had been limping and experiencing a tremor and was aware that something was amiss but that experience really confirmed it. Later that year, a neurologist told me that there was a 95% chance that I had Parkinson’s.
I felt shocked, thinking my life was changed forever. I wondered if I would have to quit my job. I wondered how quickly the disease would progress. Initially, most people don’t know what the diagnosis means. Knowing very little about it myself—Parkinson’s was just a scary term.
I quickly realized that I had to prioritize exercising.
My neurologist told me about PWP and I didn’t hesitate because I was looking for support. It was a huge relief to meet others who were in the same boat, and the exercise programs have been invaluable.
Getting assessed by PWP has also been very helpful. I recently learned that I’m “holding my own.” In other words, the disease is only slowly progressing, which gives me a boost of hope!
PWP has made an enormous difference for me in managing the psychological impact of Parkinson’s. You’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer group of people anywhere. Simply connecting with others who understand exactly what you’re going through has made a significant difference in my life.
Since retiring, I have found that the classes have given my life structure, with daily routines that involve exercise and socializing. Being part of this community has helped me to come to terms with my situation, to accept it more readily and to remind myself to live for today.
Let me put it this way—I would not want to have to live without the support of PWP. It means a great deal to me to be able to come into such a welcoming space where people understand what we’re all dealing with. I’m very grateful to the people who work so selflessly for us.
For those just starting their journey with Parkinson’s and learning about PWP for the first time, I say this,
‘Just come. You’ll be welcome, and you will benefit.’—Bruce McCormack
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Ask an Expert:
Get Answers from a Parkinson’s Specialist
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Naomi Casiro founded NeuroFit BC, serving the Parkinson’s population through physiotherapy and exercise, and educating other health professionals. She spends her time running PD classes, treating clients, teaching student physiotherapists at UBC, and offering courses to health professionals.
- How do I know if my pain is related to Parkinson's disease or if it's something else?
As a very generalized rule, pain that is sharp, shooting and/or radiating often indicates that there is a nerve involved. This type of pain is unlikely to be directly caused by Parkinson’s rigidity, the leading culprit for pain in PD. On the other hand, pain that is dull, achy, or stiff especially in the lower back is more likely to be coming from alignment, rigidity, or other musculoskeletal issues which can be caused or worsened by PD. If your pain is worse in the morning when you first wake up, one possibility is that you aren’t moving all that much at night, and your meds wearing off may have something to do with that, a very common PD issue. If your pain is worse at the end of the day, it may be the way you are lifting, walking, or standing that's contributing, all of which can be impacted by PD. At the end of the day, pain can be complex, but there is also a lot we can do to improve and manage it including specific exercise!
- Why is falls training important?
Falls are incredibly common amongst older adults and even more common in those with PD. It’s
important to make sure we are optimizing things such as our balance, gait, strength, and ability to dual task but even with all these preventative measures, falls do still happen. We know from
the research that people can be taught to fall properly, and with practice, that helps to reduce the impact force of falls and therefore reduce the risk of fractures. Fall training can help
improve longevity and quality of life.
- What kind of exercise do I need to do?
Two things matter here: intensity and consistency. Ideally we want you doing 30 – 60 minutes a day of moderate to intense activity, at least 5 days of the week. The short answer is find something you enjoy doing and make it intense. That being said, I can give you the “ideal” program but if it's not the right fit and you stop doing it after a week or a month it won’t help long term. Find something you enjoy doing and make it intense. Like taking a walk? Do hills or stairs. Enjoy biking? Again, find some hard hills you can repeat a few times. Like yoga? That's great, it’ll probably help lower your stress and improve your mobility but you still need intensity. Lastly, everyone should have an individualized assessment by a qualified health care professional to find exercises that are specific to you and optimize your exercise routine and movement so you get the most out of your time.
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An Inside Look at Our Classes
Showcasing PWPFIT!
This class targets specific symptoms including rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability to help improve participants’ ability to complete daily tasks and live the life they love!
Kate Johnson is a neurological rehabilitation physiotherapist and PWR! Certified Therapist who teaches PWPFIT!. Here are some of incredible outcomes she sees from this program:
"I incorporate cardio, functional strength, balance, agility, multitasking, and mobility, and strive to make each class challenging—because moderate to vigorous activity has the biggest impact. Many participants have noticed that their mobility, balance, and gait have improved as a result of attending PWPFIT! on a regular basis.
Nothing makes me more proud than seeing the look on their faces when they try something new and challenging and show themselves that they can! Each and every participant gives their 100% to each class they attend, and I do really push them. Everyone loves the music, partner exercises, and fun we have as a group.
Exercise is medicine, especially when it comes to Parkinson’s. Parkinson Wellness Projects is so important, and it would not be possible without the generosity of donors to keep these services accessible for all who need it. The community here is truly unmatched.”
Help people with Parkinson’s build strength & confidence with a gift today!
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Photo credit: Christopher James, a participant here at PWP!
Save The Date
Join Us for the Douglas Mile!
On Monday, May 19, 2025 we’re hosting the 1-mile walk or run down Douglas Street!
This exciting event kicks off the 125th anniversary of the Victoria Day Parade and supports the PWP community. Participants will start at Summit & Douglas and finish at City Hall, leading the parade. The first 100 people to register will get free entry—so don’t wait! Please contact PWP to receive your code for free entry. The event is open to everyone—friends, family, and participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, including those using wheelchairs or walkers.
As PWP’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the Douglas Mile is a meaningful opportunity to come together and make a difference for people living with Parkinson’s disease. We can’t wait to see you there!
Details:
- Start Time: 8:30 am
- Bib Pick-Up: 7:30 am - 8:15 am at the start line, or at PWP before May 19
- Start and finish line transportation: Contact PWP to book your spot
- Prizes: Pre-drawn and announced at the start line
- Refreshments: At the finish line
Visit parkinsonwellness.ca/events or contact PWP at 250-360-6800 to register today!
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