Parkinson Canada SuperWalk brings supporters together in Ottawa

It was a show of strength and solidarity in Ottawa for those living with Parkinson’s disease at the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

There was a show of strength and solidarity Saturday as the annual Parkinson Canada SuperWalk came to Ottawa, raising $200,000.

Since 1990, friends and families across the country have come together to raise awareness and crucial funds for the 110,000 individuals in Canada living with Parkinson’s disease.

In 35-years, the SuperWalk has raised more than $45 million.

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Brock Carlton was diagnosed with the disease in 2022, after dealing with symptoms since 2018.

He is now a spokesperson for the event and dedicates his time to volunteer with Parkinson Canada, including helping organize the walk here in the capital.

“Exercise is one of the most important features of dealing with Parkinson’s. It doesn’t cure it, but it slows down the progression,” Carlton says.

He says the walk is about more than raising money.

“Coming together in a community like this just gives you a sense of purpose, a sense of lightness and joy that you can still do things that are really important for you to be able to do, to continue to live the life that you want to live, even though you have Parkinson’s,” he says.

Hali Ludwick, the event coordinator with Parkinson Canada, says the event has grown over the years.

“A lot of times these people feel very alone. They don’t know where to go and they feel isolated. This is an opportunity for everybody to come out with their friends, with their family, find that community, and really not feel alone,” Ludwick says.

“Canada has the highest rate of diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, and they don’t know why,” she adds. “This is why events like this are so important, to bring everybody together to raise funds and raise awareness.”

The walk featured a one-kilometre and two-kilometre path wrapping around the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre in Westboro.

According to Ludwick, the $200,000 raised matched the goal they set out earlier this year.