Parkinson Society Canada's "The Struggle" (Public Service Announcement)

 



Jan. 27/2015

January in Canada, is the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Initiatives  In the last few years, it has gained recognition through the Bell, "Let's Talk" . The main focus of this initiative is anti-stigma.

What has made this such a significant initiative, is the on going promotion by a Canadian Olympian, Clara Hughes.  She has spoken widely, of her personal journey of Depression.  Along now, with other spokes people that have come through, such as Howie Mandel, there is discussion about mental illness and one no longer bears the shame of living the disease in isolation.

The same thing needs to be done with Parkinson's.  Awareness, education and the fight for a cure has been awakened in the United States, by Michael J Fox, and his foundation.  What we need in Canada is a face, a personality, someone like Clara Hughes, or Michael J fox, that will promote awareness of this disease as not just being one of shaking and slow movements.  We need to discuss and educate on the non-motor symptoms that are so prevalent to the disease, but are not identified as part of Parkinson's.

An initiative that promotes awareness of cognitive dysfunctions, such as poor memory, recall, organization of thoughts, speaking, apathy, and depression.  Symptoms that often appear many years prior to diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease.

The Ontario Government is currently starting a PD Ambassador Program.  People with Parkinson's are trained in presenting current needs and expectations to their local Members of Parliament.  This is a start.  Hopefully, from this, the gap of representation of PD awareness will become smaller.

My only hope is that a very recognizable personality, such as Clara Hughes for Mental Health, will step forward and enlighten our country about Parkinson's Disease.  The numbers of diagnosis is ever increasing, and in one's lifetime, I am sure that you too will know, care, or love someone that will be diagnosed.

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month.....perhaps this year, an awesome someone, will bring their enthusiasm, personal experiences, and awareness to the disease.  Someone like Clara Hughes, someone who will aid in shutting down the stigma that PD is for the elderly.  Someone who will make us aware that this disease appears long before it is diagnosed.  Someone who will also inspire us to raise money for.a cure....yes....a cure!

Canada needs someone....