Brad Gordon Gears Up for Parkinson SuperWalk in Winnipeg

Brad Gordon, a resident of Brandon, Manitoba, is preparing to participate in the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk this Saturday in Winnipeg. Gordon, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease approximately three years ago, first noticed symptoms when he experienced a slight tremor in his right thumb, soon followed by shaking in his right leg.

“I was up on a ladder going, ‘OK, when are you going to stop shaking?’” Gordon recalled. “That’s the thing about Parkinson’s — you don’t know how it’s going to manifest. It is mind-boggling.” According to Parkinson Canada, more than 4,150 Manitobans and around 110,000 Canadians live with this condition, which is characterized by uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and various challenges in mobility and communication.

Awareness and Fundraising Efforts

At 62 years old, Gordon walks three to five miles each week to maintain his mobility. He and his wife, Teresa, have raised over $1,000 for the SuperWalk, which serves as the largest fundraiser for Parkinson Canada, held in over 40 cities across the country. In Manitoba, events will take place in Winnipeg and Morden.

“Fundraising leads to awareness, and when awareness is important, people understand that better services would be beneficial and that more research is essential,” Gordon said. He expressed hope for future developments in treatment, stating, “Future Brad would like better drugs and maybe a cure.”

The SuperWalk has raised more than $45 million since its inception in 1990, supporting research, advocacy, and resources for those affected by the disease. Scott McMillan, a representative from Parkinson Canada, emphasized the need for improved diagnostic processes and treatment options. “We don’t have a lot of disease-modifying therapies right now, and there are long wait times for people trying to get diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” he stated.

Community Support Groups

In addition to the SuperWalk, community support is vital for those living with Parkinson’s. A support group meets monthly at the Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon, led by a Parkinson Canada facilitator. Another informal group, organized by Valerie Poersch, provides a social setting for individuals with Parkinson’s and their families to connect over lunch.

Poersch’s husband, Norm, has lived with Parkinson’s for 18 years. She noted, “We need our social support group because when one of the couple has Parkinson’s, your social group shrinks.” The gatherings create a safe space where members can share experiences and receive support, regardless of their mobility challenges.

As Gordon prepares for the SuperWalk, he remains optimistic about raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research while encouraging others to understand the complexities of the disease. For those interested in supporting the SuperWalk, more information is available by calling 1-888-664-1973 or visiting the Parkinson Canada website.