Liz Holroyd started the White Rock Walk after going through “a really scary time” since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010. ALSO READ: White Rock Grannies complete a virtual world tour With her husband Scott, Holroyd began participating in multiple walks in Langley, but they wanted to create one in their own community to get the city involved in the campaign. The full, in-person Superwalk had to be put on hold due to social distancing measures during the pandemic. After going virtual last year, the full-scale event returns this September for the first time since 2019. Holroyd is excited to bring the ride back in hopes of inspiring others to consider Parkinson’s Society BC when they think of donating. “When you don’t get together in person, you don’t have the same connection. We still had significant contributions, but it fell off,” he said. Parkinson Society BC supports those living with the disease to access resources, learn how it will change their lives, teach families how to best support their loved ones with Parkinson’s and more. Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder, with cases increasing every year. Funds raised through the campaign will help the Society continue to offer these services and support research to one day find a cure. Although symptoms of the disease usually begin when a person is in their 60s, it is possible to develop early, resulting in early-onset Parkinson’s disease. “When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010, the first place I went was the Parkinson’s Society to fully understand what was out there for me now,” Holroyd said. “It’s a real curveball when you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness and at first you don’t know, ‘Wow, what is this going to mean for me?’ You know, I was working.” After visiting the organization, Holroyd was able to meet other people with the same illness as her, finding a community among them. “It’s kind of cool because we all understand it, the things we feel,” she said. One of the few forms of treatment for those living with Parkinson’s disease is a drug treatment that includes the drug, Levodopa, which is converted to dopamine in the brain. This combats the loss of dopamine associated with Parkinson’s disease. For some, levodopa works wonders, but for others, the side effects can be too strong to see the benefits, Holroyd said. “I had a really bad tremor on my right side and when I got the Levodopa… it took me a while to get off it because it’s a little nerve wracking to get off it… When I got it, within 48 hours, I got it completely covered my tremors.” Holroyd has some side effects from the treatment, but they are manageable, she said. The biggest symptom of Parkinson’s disease is fatigue, saying he “may fall asleep in the middle of a conversation.” For this year’s SuperWalk, Holroyd wants to bring attention and appreciation to the care partners of those living with Parkinson’s disease. In her own experience, Holroyd said she couldn’t have gotten through the doctor’s appointments, therapy and everything else without her husband Scott walking with her every step of the way. The White Rock Parkinson SuperWalk is scheduled for Sept. 11, with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. City of White Rock Coun. Dave Chesney will headline the event. To view the walk or donate, visit parkinson.bc.ca/superwalk and contact Liz Holroyd with any local questions at 604-317-9599. ALSO READ: 2 teenagers killed when driver flees from police in Lower Mainland. Fundraisers started for families @[email protected] Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. City of White Rock FundraiserHealth
