|
A Note from Bailey
Dear friend,
I want to thank you for your generosity—allowing us to offer all of our programs and services without fees. This barrier-free model makes it possible for anyone impacted by Parkinson’s to get the support they need, when they need it most.
PWP is growing! With more people accessing our programs, we’re doing our best to keep up with demand. And your voice can help shape how we serve the Parkinson’s community moving forward. If you have ideas, requests, or feedback, I’d love to hear them.
A recent highlight was the Douglas Mile—what a joyful and inspiring morning! Thank you to everyone who helped us fundraise over $100,000—all while walking, connecting, and raising awareness about PD. As we look ahead, we remain committed to community, connection, and compassionate care. Whether you're new to PWP or a long-time participant, we're here for you.
With appreciation,
Bailey Martin
Executive Director, Parkinson Wellness Projects
|
|
|
Heather Turns 60 with the Douglas Mile
|
When Heather turned 60 this May, she didn’t ask for gifts. Instead, she invited 60 of her friends and family to walk alongside her in the Douglas Mile, our annual walk in support of PWP.
Originally from Australia, Heather now lives in Victoria with her husband, two adult children, three grandsons, and two cats. She always found joy in photography, scrapbooking, reading and, as one friend put it, collecting people.
That passion for connection was what made her Douglas Mile celebration so powerful. “I believe there is great power in community and I love to bring people together for a cause,” she said.
Heather’s Parkinson’s journey began subtly. Her left hand sometimes forgot what to do, and her gait changed in ways she couldn’t explain. Then one day, when her left arm wouldn’t move at all, she knew it was time to seek help.
“It wasn’t a huge shock,” she recalls. “It was just another mountain to climb after a very hard year.” Still, the diagnosis left her anxious. “I went through a period of panic. I was terrified of what the future would hold for me and for my family.”
At PWP, she found more than just exercise classes, she found community. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming. I’ve never been good at staying motivated to exercise alone, but the classes helped keep me on track.” She also joined a support group that became a cherished part of her life. “We meet once a month and I really look forward to it. We laugh at ourselves, lift each other up and sometimes we cry together. It’s wonderful.”
One PWP moment especially stood out to her. It occurred after returning to PWP’s Pro Dance Class after a holiday break, where she was met with energy, joy, and the words “Welcome home.” It was then she realized, “These folks are my Parkinson’s family.”
So for her milestone birthday, Heather not only walked the Douglas Mile, she inspired 60 friends, including those from afar to walk a mile in her shoes. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “I felt so grateful for the friends who supported me.”
And to the donors who make PWP possible, Heather had a simple message: “Your support changes lives. I would be lost without this community.”
|
|
|
Douglas Mile Results — Thank you!
|
On May 19, 227 incredible walkers and runners kicked off the Victoria Day Parade by taking part in the 2025 Douglas Mile—our biggest event yet. We set out to raise $75,000, and thanks to your amazing generosity and drive, we soared past that goal to reach an astonishing $103,180! To every sponsor, donor, and especially all the participants who went the extra mile by fundraising—thank you for making a real difference for the Parkinson’s community.
|
|
Naomi Casiro founded NeuroFit BC, serving the Parkinson’s population through physiotherapy and exercise, and educating other health professionals.
Q: What can I do to help my posture?
Posture is a key contributor to both comfort and mobility for people with Parkinson’s. A forward-flexed posture including rounded shoulders, hunched spine, and neck or back pain, is common, but there’s a lot you can do to improve it.
- Strengthen Your Glutes
Strong glutes help stabilize posture and improve walking. Try squats, glute bridges, or supported lunges. Start with 5 reps and build gradually. Proper form matters more than speed!
- Stretch and Strengthen Key Muscles
Focus on your deep core and back muscles. Avoid over-strengthening your chest. Instead, try backward arm swings or shoulder-height “T” stretches with outstretched arms.
- Build Posture from the Ground Up
Start by evenly grounding your big toe, pinky toe, and heel. Stack hips over heels, ribs over hips, and ears over shoulders. Think: “double chin” to align your head. This “plumb line” posture helps muscles work as they’re meant to, thereby reducing pain and improving balance.
To ask a question about PD, email info@parkinsonwellness.ca—we may include it in the next issue!
|
|
A Mindfulness Practice to Try Today
|
|
Stress can intensify motor symptoms (like tremors) and non-motor ones (like anxiety). It can even make it harder to stick with exercise, which is key to living well with PD. Mindfulness—being present without judgment—can be a powerful tool to ease stress and support your wellbeing.
Here are three mindfulness practices to reduce stress and reconnect:
- Body Scan: Slowly bring your focus from your feet to your head, noticing each part of your body. Try observing without judgement.
- Intentional Breathing: Set a 3-minute timer. Close your eyes. Notice what you feel—then gently return to your breath.
- Engage Your Senses: Use daily tasks to practice presence. When washing your hands, notice the temperature, scent, and sound.
Try one of these today! If you'd like to know more about our next Mindful Self-Compassion series for care partners, please email us at info@parkinsonwellness.ca or call 250-360-6800.
|
|
|
|
