Parkinson Canada

We are the bold, the brave, the beautifully unsteady. Our mission, to reclaim the narrative of living with Parkinson’s. To inject vibrance and life where some see only stillness. Let’s embrace every shake, every stutter and each sway into a symbol of confidence, a unique swagger found only in Parkinson’s. To better say what we’ve known all along. That our movements are a distinct rhythm in the music of life. A life that can be rich with passion and purpose. Together, let’s change the narrative. It’s not Parkinson’s. It’s Swagger. ✨ Join us: www.FindYourSwagger.ca Watch the new brand campaign: https://lnkd.in/g8Y5dF8p #FindYourSwagger #ParkinsonsAwareness #Parkinsons

Dr. Kaylena Ehgoetz Martens is leading a groundbreaking pilot study on freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s disease. Her research is exploring the potential of combining psychological strategies with physical exercise to tackle this challenging symptom. FOG can be incredibly debilitating, causing both physical and emotional strain. With her extensive background in movement kinematics, neuroscience, and psychophysiology, Dr. Martens is uniquely positioned to make a difference. Thanks to a Pilot Project Grant from Parkinson Canada, her team is testing a new integrated care approach that might revolutionize PD treatment. Stay tuned for updates as they work to bring this promising strategy to larger trials! The 2025 Research Competition kicks off on September 3rd. Stay tuned for more details on our website: https://bit.ly/3YKWPkF #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsResearch

As summer winds down, the excitement continues with some of Parkinson Canada’s most iconic events! 🌟 First up, in early September, join us for SuperWalk, available both in-person and virtually. Don’t miss out—register and find a location near you at www.superwalk.ca. Then, this fall, experience the breathtaking autumn hues of the Beaver Valley at the Growling Beaver event in Collingwood. Secure your spot at www.growlingbeaver.ca. Let’s make a difference together in support of Parkinson's—hope to see you there! 💪🎗️

🚨 Call for Abstracts! 🚨 We are thrilled to invite researchers to present their work on movement disorders! Whether your focus is healthcare, basic research, or clinical studies related to Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Tourette syndrome, tics, or other movement disorders, we want to hear from you! 🗓 Submission Deadline: September 15th at 11:59 PM EST 📜 Abstract Guidelines: • Up to 250 words • Must include: Background, Objective, Methods, Results, and Conclusions • Indicate if you wish to be considered for an oral presentation or poster presentation 🔍 Review & Notifications: • Abstracts will be reviewed by our panel of research experts • Preference will be given to trainees • Notifications by October 1st 🏆 Awards: Top oral and poster presentations will receive special recognition at the meeting! Submit your abstract here: https://bit.ly/3MtzOeF Don’t miss this chance to share your groundbreaking research and gain valuable feedback from experts in the field! 🌟 #CMDM2024 #MovementDisorders #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsResearch

Meet Dr. Stefan Lang, a dedicated researcher and clinician at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. His groundbreaking work focuses on using deep brain stimulation (DBS) to address non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), like emotional and cognitive challenges, beyond the well-known motor symptoms. While DBS has shown remarkable success in treating movement issues, Dr. Lang is diving into how it affects other PD symptoms. By exploring different brain circuits and electrode placements, he aims to enhance DBS treatments and uncover new therapies for the often-overlooked emotional and cognitive struggles of PD patients. Dr. Lang's passion for PD research began during medical school, inspired by a neurosurgeon’s dramatic demonstration of DBS’s impact on a patient’s mobility. Now, with a New Investigator Award from Parkinson Canada and support from the Parkinson Society of British Columbia, he’s making strides in functional neurosurgery. Exciting times ahead! The 2025 Research Competition kicks off on September 3rd. Stay tuned for more details: https://bit.ly/3YKWPkF #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsResearch #DBS #DeepBrainSimulation

✨ We're beyond excited to see Robert Kastelic, the inspiring face of our brand campaign, featured in the Toronto Sun! 🎉 His story is all about finding your swagger and embracing your true self. 🙌 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gCB_fbnp #TorontoSun #FindYourSwagger Akb Architects

Update: VYALEV has now been added to the list of publicly reimbursed medications in British Columbia! The province of Quebec was the first province in Canada to list VYALEV on their provincial formulary, followed by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and now British Columbia. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dVE3ZaCK

Tony Viegas, a first-generation Portuguese-Canadian from Bradford, Ontario, has spent over 30 years in construction. Today, he's also living with Parkinson's. His family has been his anchor. Kristine, his devoted wife, has seen their bond grow stronger through this experience. “As a family, we are much stronger now; we live for today and plan for the future. We make sure to spend more time together and check in that we are both well,” Kristine explains. She has become a vital advocate in the Parkinson's community, leading efforts like the Newmarket SuperWalk and support groups. 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘆’𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀: “𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆-𝗯𝘆-𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁.” 💪💙 Tony is living life at his own rhythm, looking forward with hope and determination. If Tony’s story resonates with you or if you want to share your own, visit findyourswagger.ca/stories #ParkinsonsAwareness #FindYourSwagger #LivingWithParkinsons #Parkinsons

Meet Tara Shomali, a dedicated PhD candidate at McGill University who’s pioneering groundbreaking research for Parkinson's. Tara’s innovative work focuses on the PINK1 protein, which plays a crucial role in protecting neurons from damage. When PINK1 malfunctions, it can lead to the accumulation of nerve damage in the brain, contributing to the development of PD. Tara’s research aims to develop a new human model of PINK1 to better understand how this system detects and responds to cellular damage. The ultimate goal? To create targeted drugs that can modulate PINK1 signals in the brain and pave the way for new treatments for PD. Inspired by her experiences working with patients and families affected by Parkinson’s, Tara is driven by a passion to make a difference. Thanks to the generous support of the Leacross Foundation, Parkinson Canada has awarded her the Graduate Student Award, enabling her to dedicate more time to her crucial research. With a vision to one day lead her own lab and mentor future scientists, Tara Shomali is making strides towards innovative treatments for neurological conditions. 🌟🔬💪 The 2025 Research Competition will launch on September 3rd. Stay tuned for more information here: https://bit.ly/3YKWPkF #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsResearch

At 68, nurse and author Elizabeth Rigley noticed worsening leg tremors and was diagnosed with #Parkinsons. After initially hiding her symptoms, she pursued Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) at 73, despite the challenges. “The surgery and recovery were tough, but the results are magnificent,” she says. Now, Elizabeth enjoys walking, golfing, cycling, and playing piano, with DBS greatly improving her life. Her advice? “Stay informed and active! Even a daily walk helps.” Support groups and resources like Parkinson Canada’s CareFinder have been key to her recovery. 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.🌟💪 Inspired by her story? Read more about Elizabeth and share your own story at findyourswagger.ca/stories #FindYourSwagger #ParkisnonsTreatment #ParkinsonsAwareness #DeepBrainSimulation #DBS