The Parkinson’s Awareness Flag was raised Friday in the Town of Hanover, to show solidarity with those living with the neurological disorder.
The flag raising is part of the month-long campaign for Parkinson's awareness.
Shelley Rivard, CEO of Parkinson's Society of Southwestern Ontario (PSSO), says the April Awareness Campaign provides an opportunity to share clients stories of perseverance.
"What we want to do is engage our communities to learn a little bit more about Parkinson's, what it is like, and the realities of it," she said. "Lots of people think about Parkinson's, they think about the tremor, and yet there's so much more. There's a lot of non-motor symptoms that really can be more devestating on the person living with Parkinson's."
"Parkinson's just doesn't affect the person living with it. It affects their family, their carepartners, their loved ones. So there's a lot for us to share and get out in the community," added Rivard.
During the month, PSSO is running its Real Stories, Real Strength campaign to highlight those living locally with Parkinson's. The awareness month included a conference in Goderich last week, where Rivard said about 80 people attended.
"Parkinson's disease can affect anyone and anytime, said Rivard."Normal onset is 65 or older, but we're seeing a number of people — in their 30s, 40s — prime of their lives getting Parkinson's. It hits them totally different at that point of life. There's no cure, so what we're doing is providing services for people living with Parkinson's so they can live better day to day."
Currently PSSO has six support groups operating in the region: Goderich, Port Elgin, Kincardine, Hanover, Owen Sound and Meaford. They also offer services to including exercise programs, voice training, dance classes, choir and counselling.
To learn more, visit their website.
