By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

acknowledging tremendous strength

Parkinson Association launches ‘Unshakeable’ campaign for upcoming awareness month

Mar 16, 2024 | 1:10 PM

The Parkinson Association of Alberta (PAA) is sharing details of its April campaign for Parkinson Awareness Month.

The organization notes April is a time to, “acknowledge the tremendous strength and resilience of Canadians living with Parkinson disease and to celebrate the contributions of researchers, health professionals, family members, friends, and advocates who are supporting efforts to improve treatment options and enhance the quality of life for people living with this diagnosis.”

There are more than 110,000 people in Canada living with Parkinson disease and Parkinson plus syndromes, often referred to as ‘Parkinson’s.’ Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.

There is no definitively known cause, and no cure.

“For us, Unshakeable describes the spirit and resolve of people living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and their families and friends,” the association says.

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“Parkinson’s researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals, program partners and community advocates are also unshakeable in their support of those affected by Parkinson’s. The team at Parkinson Association of Alberta is unshakeable in its commitment to this remarkable community.”

In April, a special event is taking place in Edmonton and Calgary called the Sit ‘n Stand Challenge.

According to the PAA: The sit-to-stand test, also known as the sitting-rising test (SRT), is a simple clinical assessment used to evaluate an individual’s lower body strength, balance, and functional mobility. It is commonly used to measure lower body strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. For people living with Parkinson disease, the ability to move from seated to standing is critical in the maintenance of independence and changes to capacity are indicators of the disease’s advancement.

On April 11, Sit ‘n Stand events are happening in Edmonton (West Edmonton Mall Phase IV, 10 a.m. to noon) and Calgary (Calgary City Hall Atrium, 10 a.m, to noon).

In Alberta, the goal is to complete 100,000 Sit and Stands in April, and 20,000 on Parkinson Awareness Day (April 11) at our two Stand Up to Parkinson’s events in Edmonton and Calgary.

As well, there are webinars you can register for, and the PAA is lighting up various landmarks around Alberta to mark the occasion.

Those include the Sylvan Lake lighthouse, Red Deer City Hall, Lethbridge City Hall, Medicine Hat Saamis Tipi, Medicine Hat Towne Square, and Grande Prairie Sundial.

More information, including other benefit events in Alberta communities, is at parkinsonassociation.ca.